Authorities are responding to the grounding of the interisland ferry Aratere approximately 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km) north of Picton in Titoko Bay.
The Aratere was undertaking a freight only voyage and had approximately 40 people on board. There have been no injuries reported and there is no danger to life. There is also no water ingress (entering the vessel) and no oil going into the marine environment.
The Picton Harbour Master is on board and the vessel will be refloated as tidal conditions allow.
Besides working with KiwiRail and others as part of the response, Maritime NZ will be investigating the cause of the grounding.
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