Having hole in the hull after colliding with a fishing boat last year
The captain of a Wellington ferry has been charged with allegedly sailing to Picton and back with a gash in the side of the ship.
The passenger ferry Santa Regina got the gash, and a hole in the hull, after colliding with a fishing boat during high winds while trying to back into its berth on April 26 last year.
John Henderson, who works for Strait Shipping one week out of three as master of the Santa Regina, faces breach of Maritime Rules charges of failing to notice the gash on an inspection and failing to notify Maritime New Zealand.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has elected to go to trial. He is due back in Wellington District Court next month.
Strait Shipping is also charged with two Health and Safety charges in the relation to the same incident.
A judge heard Henderson’s application for name suppression last month but refused to grant interim suppression until the end of any hearing.
Henderson indicated he would appeal but has since abandoned the attempt to prevent his name being published.
Judge Mary O’Dwyer had said Henderson had been a master mariner for 48 years and worked not only for Strait Shipping but other organisations, including being a pilot in the Marlborough Sounds, Fiordland and consulted for Environment Southland.
Judge O’Dwyer said Henderson said publication of his name would adversely impact his career and his reputation.
The judge said Henderson is alleged to have sailed to Picton and back before the gash was noticed.
She said there was no suggestion that Henderson’s employment with Strait Shipping would be affected.
Source: The Dominion Post