Doubtful Sound (file image). Photo: Stephen Jacquiery / LDR
Emergency services received a distress call from a Fiordland tourist cruise ship after it ran aground.
The RealNZ-operated Fiordland Navigator ran aground near Crooked Arm in Doubtful Sound shortly after 6pm on Wednesday.
RealNZ Acting chief executive Paul Norris said there were 57 guests and 10 crew on board.
The captain notified the company, and a mayday call was made, notifying emergency services. A minor injury was checked by medical staff.
Norris said all evacuated guests were accommodated in Te Anau and staff had been assisting them with ongoing arrangements.
"The Fiordland Navigator was made secure and returned to Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound in the early hours of this morning," Norris said.
"Commercial divers have conducted an underwater assessment of the Navigator. We are awaiting details of this assessment so that we, and our vessel surveyor, can determine what repairs need to be undertaken to restore the watertight integrity of the vessel."
Norris expected the boat would remain out of service for at least the next few days.
"Guests who are booked onto the Navigator's overnight Doubtful Sound experience during the repair timeframe will be contacted by the RealNZ guest services team to find a solution for rebooking or refunding."
The crew has since returned to Manapouri and was being offered support if needed, he said.
"RealNZ is cooperating fully with relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the incident, alongside our own company investigation."
Maritime New Zealand has launched an investigation, as has RealNZ.
It was not the first time a RealNZ-operated vessel had crashed.
In October 2018, one of its boats carrying 39 seal watching tourists crashed into a rock while in Milford Sound.
The vessel was making a routine approach towards the shoreline to observe seals when the collision occurred.
Two passengers sustained minor injuries when they lost their balance.
The boat received superficial damage and was taken out of service for a full check.
In January 2009, Stuff reported a boat, with 25 passengers on board, grazed a rock wall near the Overhang in Milford Sound.
The vessel was travelling slow so passengers could look at something when the incident occurred.
The bowsprit was bent as a result and the boat had to be moored for repairs, Stuff reported.
