The Wahine disaster
- When
- 10 April 1968
- Where
- Wellington Harbour · Te Whanganui-a-Tara
- Reach
- Several regions
The inter-island ferry struck Barrett Reef in a storm with winds over 150 km/h and capsized in the harbour entrance. Fifty-three people died.
Cyclone Giselle met a southerly front over Wellington, producing the worst storm the city has recorded — the same day roofs were torn off houses across the region. The Wahine lost steering, drifted for hours and rolled in the afternoon within sight of shore. Many died of exposure on the rocky eastern shore where lifeboats were driven. It was the country’s worst modern maritime disaster, and much of it was filmed and broadcast.
Regions affected
Sources
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