Photo: Screenshot / SuppliedA dedicated investigation team from the Transport Accident Investigation Commission will be on the ground in Akaroa, following the grounding of a Black Cat ferry on Saturday afternoon. Louise Cook, chief investigator of accidents, said there were reportedly 38 passengers and three crew on-board the 17-metre catamaran, on a wildlife cruise. The investigation team would be travelling to Akaroa "as soon as practicable", TAIC said in a statement. The passengers were taken to the main wharf at Akaroa and no one was injured, he said. Black Cat Cruises said it was the first time in more than 40 years that anything like this had happened.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 31, 2026 19:43 UTC