Delays a blow for ferry passengers

Hundreds of passengers on four Cook Straight ferries were delayed for hours on Tuesday night as strong south-east gales made docking in Picton Harbour impossible.

According to reports, gales in excess of 40 knots gusted down Picton harbour, forcing the ferries to seek calmer water in the Sounds.

A spokesman for Bluebridge said on Wednesday that both Bluebridge ferries had arrived safely into Picton after being affected by Tuesday’s extremely high winds.

‘‘The Feronia docked at around 10pm last night and the Straitsman around 1am this morning,’’ the spokesman said.

‘‘Both ships are running today but with significant delays to our services.

‘‘All passengers are being informed of any impact to their sailings.’’

Booking schedules for Interislander indicated that the 7.30am sailing out of Picton for the Kaiarahi had been cancelled, but Interislander general manager Walter Rushbrook confirmed on Tuesday morning the ferries were back on schedule, and he was confident any backlog of passengers would be cleared.

Ports Manager Rhys Welbourn said the ferries had been assisted with docking following normal procedures during high wind events.

Regarding reported damage to the terminal, he said he was unaware of any damage other than ongoing wear and tear, and had ‘‘not received any reports of damage related to last night’s high wind events.’’

Marlborough Harbourmaster

Luke Grogan commended the ferry companies for adhering to procedures regarding safe berthing.

‘‘I’m happy that safety was upheld as paramount in very difficult and challenging circumstances,’’ he said.

SCOTT HAMMOND/STUFF Bluebridge ferries were delayed due to strong south-east winds on Wednesday.