Thursday 10 February 2005
Maritime Union backs ferry investigation
The Maritime Union says it supports the Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) decision not to allow the interisland ferry
'Aratere' to sail until it was satisfied the ferry was safe.
The 'Aratere' suffered steering problems yesterday evening in Wellington harbour.
Maritime Union Vice President Joe Fleetwood, who works aboard the 'Aratere', says the Union has confidence that the MSA
are taking the situation seriously.
"Our main concern is the safety of crew and passengers," said Mr Fleetwood.
The 'Aratere' is crewed by Maritime Union members.
The Union has already spoken out about equipment failures on the ferry and requested an independent investigation after
a steering failure near the entrance to Tory Channel in September 2004.
ENDS