Photo: Black Cat CruisesWitnesses are being sought in relation to the grounding of a catamaran near Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. The Black Cat Cruises catamaran was beached at Nīkau Palm Valley Bay, after it got into trouble on Saturday afternoon - requiring more than 40 people to be rescued. ECAN said it was working with the Conservation Department, iwi, and Black Cat Cruises on the recovery and salvage, while the Transport Accident Investigation Commission said it would be investigating. The Black Cat Cruises catamaran sank in Akaroa. Black Cat Cruises was approached for comment.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 01, 2026 22:36 UTC