Passengers and crew being rescued from the ferry yesterday. Photo: Supplied/Matt Rawlings
A Waikeke Island ferry that broke down, sparking a rescue of all onboard, was a new vessel added to the fleet this week.
Maritime NZ is still investigating what happened.
Ferry operator Island Direct confirmed its new purpose-built Te Waiora ferry broke down just days after it was added to the fleet, ahead of an expected busy long weekend.
Its director David Todd said the ferry experienced a problem with an engine's exhaust shortly after departing the island on Thursday afternoon.
Three rescue boats were sent to help evacuate 18 passengers and six crew members, and no one was injured.
"The resulting smoke was initially reported as a fire and our engineers have now confirmed there was no fire," Todd said.
"Our highly trained crew acted immediately, following emergency procedures to ensure the safety of all on board."
The operator broke the commuter ferry monopoly held by Fullers when it started sailings in late 2023, and the new ferry is its second vessel.
Island Direct confirmed the vessel is in dry dock.
A spokesperson for Maritime NZ said they are gathering information about what happened with the ferry.
"What we find out will determine any potential further regulatory steps," the spokesperson said.
Island Direct earlier said adding a second vessel was a significant milestone in the company's growth.
It would allow the operator to better compete on timetable, adding 150 seats per trip with hourly sailings from both Downtown Auckland and Matiatia Wharf.
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