NZ Wahine Ferry

[Roy]

Last night watched a late programme - Billy Connolly in NZ. A quick reference made to the rocks on the approach to Wellington Harbour upon which the inter island ferry - Wahine, foundered in 1968, then dragged her cables in a hellish storm of wind before capsizing. I was there as a young seaman on another ship and recalled the childrens bodies and the whole tragedy as vividly as that night long ago. I had dismissed the event as I am knocking on in years now, but that one film clip brought it back and reminds me of the awesome power of nature versus human technology. Left me fighting back the tears. Also noticed the transformation to Wellington as a city - how it has grown since those days. Sorry to be morbid. Today will be a great day!!

 

[peterandjeanette]

Hi Roy

I was also in Wellington around that time and saw the wreck on passage between Wellington and Picton. The place is abtley named " windy Wellington".

Showing our age eh!

 

[Roy]

Hey Peter --imagine that we were both there - all that time ago. Yup we is surely gettin on a bit. I loved NZ coast - spent lots of time there and made lots of friends - mainly female of course. Are you from NZ Peter?

 

[peterandjeanette]

No. Worked in Aussie 1967/68 having travelled out overland during a couple of years "bumming" round the world. Came back via NZ. south sea islands, USA etc.
Happy days!