The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has revealed that it paid out more than $2 million for ferry-related injuries from 2016 to November 30, 2019.
According to Stuff.co.nz, the corporation received 568 new claims for injuries on Auckland ferries from 2016 to November 30, 2019 – with most injuries affecting the back or spine, knee, ankle, and upper and lower arm and shoulder. They included soft tissue injuries, lacerations, punctures, stings, and fractures or dislocations.
Meanwhile, incidents reported to Auckland Transport (AT) between July 2016 and June 2019 on ferries which were part of the public transport system included ferries colliding with other vessels, a woman falling out of her wheelchair in a gangway due to “low tide and the unsteadiness of the vessel,” crew members falling overboard, and a dropped barrier breaking an AT staff member’s toenail.
The organisation also received 37 reports of “unsafe behaviour/condition” and four “near hits” during the same period – including one incident wherein two ferries were in “close quarters” and stopped within 100 metres of each other.
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AT and Maritime New Zealand said safety should be taken “very seriously” – reminding operators to report all incidents so they could manage any risks or concerns.
From 2016 to 2019, Maritime NZ received 11 reports about Devonport and Waiheke services – with one revolving around a crew member tripping over a milk crate on the deck that resulted in a fracture while another included ferries colliding with marine equipment.
Neil Rowarth, from Maritime New Zealand, said they are focused on ensuring ships operate safely to prevent accidents and incidents and therefore reduce the risk of injury to passengers and crew.
