1 products
The sinking of the Wahine is still one of the worst maritime disasters to have occurred in New Zealand. 50 years on, New Zealand Post is honouring those involved in this terrible tragedy with a commemorative coin issue.
The often turbulent Cook Strait was to earn its reputation on 10 April 1968. As the Wahine was completing her crossing from Lyttelton into Wellington Harbour, Cyclone Giselle combined with a Southerly front blown up from Antarctica caused giant swells and forceful winds – a combination that would prove more than the giant ship could handle.
With thundering waves pounding the ship and strong winds screaming and whistling all around the harbour, many of the passengers were struggling to stay on their feet. Due to poor visibility in the early morning and the ferocious storm, combined with the failed radar system, the Wahine ended up reversing onto Barretts Reef. With a propeller torn off and an engine not working, the Captain ordered all water tight doors shut immediately. Lifesaving equipment was prepared and a signal sent out to let those onshore know what had happened.
The storm continued to wreak havoc, dragging the ship along the reef and causing further damage, and preventing rescuers from being able to approach the ship. The sheer velocity of the storm also delayed the Captain’s decision to finally abandon ship as he felt people were safer onboard. With the ship already listing heavily and passengers thrown into a flurried panic, getting to and launching the lifeboats had already become a near impossible task. Lifeboats were capsized in the towering swells and many people chose to jump straight into the frigid waters. The first survivors began washing up in Seatoun, while others were plucked out of the water by boats waiting nearby.