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'.

Image: Wahine disaster 1968

Wahine disaster 1968

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Location of Wahine disaster

Location of Wahine disaster

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

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.

Image: Police assisting Wahine survivors

Police assisting Wahine survivors

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Divers inspecting the sunken Wahine

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