Investigation begins on cruise ship grounding in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission of New Zealand (TAIC) is investigating an accident involving a scenic cruise vessel that ran aground in the country’s far south west on Wednesday, January 24.

The grounding of the cruise ship Fiordland Navigator occurred at around 18:15 local time on Wednesday near Crooked Arm in Doubtful Sound.

The vessel sustained a breach in its hull and took on water. It was refloated later that evening and returned to its berth at Deep Cove.

All 57 passengers and 10 crew members are safe with only one minor injury reported and checked by medical staff. The vessel is under repair.

Jim Burtenshaw, acting chief investigator of accidents at TAIC, said the commission’s investigators will be on-site over the weekend to gather evidence. They will then conduct interviews with crew, staff and witnesses and secure electronic records such as photos, videos, and location data on mobile devices.