The Wahine Disaster
A DigitalNZ Story by Tracy Grayson
The Inter-Island ferry T.E.V. Wahine (Turbine Electric Vessel) was no match for the two weather systems that combined to create a powerful storm that hit the large ship in the Cook Strait causing it to sink in Wellington harbour on 10 April 1968.
Wahine Disaster (Ship) - New Zealand (1968) Disasters, Ships
One of the worst shipping disasters in New Zealand's history, the Wahine sinks in Wellington Harbour with the loss of 51 lives. Huge swells and roaring winds pushed the Wahine off course and in to the treacherous Barrett's Reef. At 8.45am the 610 passengers on board all wearing life jackets were hoarded on to the B Deck. After attempts to pull the Wahine in to Wellington Harbour by the tug boat Tapuhi, the Captain made the call to 'Abandon Ship'.
Wahine disaster 1968
National Library of New Zealand
Location of Wahine disaster
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Wahine disaster - 50 years on
Radio New Zealand
Wahine Disaster Television NZ broadcast
Listen to a television news broadcast about the loss of the inter-island ferry TEV Wahine in Wellington Harbour on 10 April 1968.
Police assisting Wahine survivors
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
NZBC Classics - Wahine Disaster
NZ On Screen
Divers inspecting the sunken Wahine
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
“I name this ship ‘Wahine’. May God bless her and all who sail in her”
Article from the Wellington City Council Archives online