A police spokesperson confirmed The New Zealand Herald the Flying fish lost power in the harbor and all passengers on board were transferred to the police boat.
They were then escorted back to Queen’s Wharf and the police boat returned to tow the ferry back to port.
Harbor Master Grant Nalder said the boat was heading from Days Bay to Queen’s Wharf when the power problem started.
“The skipper has taken it to a safe place and laid anchor.”
Fortunately, the police were already at the port, so the operation was quick.
“Everyone was safe on board, just a little delay getting into town,” Nalder said.
The ferry was launched in March after lengthy Covid-19 delays. It was originally set to launch in mid-2020 and then in September 2021; however, the pandemic delayed the project and subsequent sea trials.
The Herald has contacted the Greater Wellington Regional Council for more information.