Wahine (2)
The Wahine (2) was a passenger and vehicle ferry built for the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand's Wellington-Lyttelton service. She represented a modernization of the route in response to growing demand for vehicle transport, following the success of the drive-on/drive-off ferry Aramoana in 1962.
Construction and Design
Built by Fairfields (Glasgow) Ltd, the vessel was launched on July 14, 1965, though completion was delayed when the shipyard entered receivership. She finally entered service with her inaugural voyage to Wellington on June 20, 1966, followed by her first Lyttelton sailing on August 1, 1966.
Service
The Wahine operated on the Wellington-Lyttelton route, continuing a two-ship passenger service that had operated since 1905. Unlike earlier vessels that loaded vehicles by crane, she was designed as a modern car ferry to meet increasing demand for vehicle transport between New Zealand's North and South Islands.
The Disaster
On April 9, 1968, Wahine departed Lyttelton with 610 passengers, 123 crew members, and one stowaway. She carried 74 cars, 8 trailers, and 17 sea-freighters. Early the next morning, in winds reaching 97 knots, she struck Barrett's Reef while entering Wellington Harbour. The impact sheared off her starboard propeller, severely compromising maneuverability. As winds intensified to 123 knots, she was pushed onto more rocks, sustaining additional hull damage.
Despite dropping anchors, the ship continued to list. A tug managed to attach a line at 11:50 AM, but it snapped. At 1:20 PM, the order was given to abandon ship. Due to the severe list, only starboard lifeboats could be launched. At 2:22 PM, Wahine capsized onto her starboard side, though her port side remained visible above water.
The disaster claimed 51 lives, marking New Zealand's worst maritime disaster. The event is commemorated in a permanent exhibition at the Wellington Museum.
Salvage Attempts
Initial salvage proved impossible due to extensive damage. Plans to raise the vessel for scuttling in Cook Strait involved removing the masts, funnel, bridge structure, and portholes. However, a severe storm on May 8, 1969, split the stern section in two. The stern was removed where it lay, while the forward section was eventually raised enough to be scuttled in Cook Strait.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Tonnage | 8,944 GRT / 3,980 NRT |
| Dimensions | 489 x 73 ft (149 x 22 m) |
| Propulsion | Turbo-electric, twin screws |
| Service Speed | 19 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | 928 |
| Vehicle Capacity | 200 cars |
| Crew | 123 |