On Tuesday 19 October 2004 at about 1018, the passenger freight ferry "Aratere" was transiting Queen Charlotte Sound after departing Picton when it lost all power. After a few minutes, emergency power was restored and the master navigated safely down the sound until full manoeuvring power was restored. The master then conned the vessel back to Picton to effect repairs to one of the diesel generators.
Safety issues identified included:
- procedures covering the replacement of diesel generator cylinder heads
- procedures covering the return of diesel generators to service after critical maintenance
- risk analysis of when and where diesel generators may be returned to service after critical maintenance
- the common cooling system
- the control system for the emergency generator.
In view of the safety actions taken by The Interisland Line no safety recommendations have been made to address these issues.
