The Interislander ferry Aratere has run aground just outside Picton this evening.
The ferry ran aground shortly after leaving Picton around 9.45pm due to a steering failure, Interislander general manager Duncan Roy confirmed to 1News.
Eight commercial vehicle drivers and 39 crew are currently on board.
"It was a freight only sailing with eight commercial vehicle drivers and 39 crew on board. There are no injuries and the vessel is watertight.
"The Picton Harbour Master is on board and we are working with him to move the vessel back to Picton."
The Interislander ferry Aratere which ran aground just outside Picton. (Source: @Colin Aitchison / Skyworks UAS)
Coastguard New Zealand said Coastguard Marlborough volunteers onboard Bluebridge Rescue are at the scene at Pine Bay in Picton Harbour alongside the Harbour Master and several tug boats.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said on X shortly before midnight he had been advised there is "no indication of injuries, danger to life or danger of oil pollution to the marine environment".
"Both KiwiRail and Maritime NZ are actively dealing with the situation."
Hutt City councillor Brady Dyer posted images of the incident to social media late this evening.
"Woah! The Interislander ferry Aratere has reportedly run aground in Picton Harbour shortly after leaving Picton this evening at 10pm! Hope everyone is ok!" he wrote.
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An electrical fault caused the Aratere to briefly break down in the Cook Strait and drift while en route to Picton in February 2023.
1News has contacted KiwiRail and Maritime New Zealand for comment.
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