![\"Akaroa\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4KM2XYZ_akaroa_png.jpeg\")
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\nAkaroa
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Environment Canterbury is warning boaties to stay clear of waters near Akaroa, following Saturday’s grounding of a tourist ferry.<\/p>\n
The Black Cat catamaran remains beached at N\u012bkau Palm Valley Bay after getting into trouble in the afternoon.<\/p>\n
Environment Canterbury says the boat was carrying 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel on board and around 120 litres of other oils in sealed containers and engines combined.<\/p>\n
There were also reportedly 38 passengers and three crew on-board<\/a> the 17-metre catamaran, on a wildlife cruise.They were evacuated to nearby boats and no injuries were reported.<\/p>\n Regional On Scene Commander Emma Parr said a light fuel sheen was visible around the boat.<\/p>\n “A dedicated wildlife team is on standby, and response options will continue to be closely monitored and assessed throughout the day to minimise any environmental impact.”<\/p>\n A Tier 2 incident response was declared on Saturday, and an exclusion zone remained in place.<\/p>\n Parr said all vessels not involved in the response must stay clear of the area for safety reasons.<\/p>\n “A recovery plan is being developed as we continue working alongside the vessel owner, emergency services, the Department of Conservation, Maritime New Zealand, iwi, and the local community.”<\/p>\n Following the accident, passenger Chris Friedman – visiting from San Francisco – had previously told RNZ it was a stressful experience<\/a> on his last day in New Zealand.<\/p>\n \nChris Friedman and his girlfriend Alona after the boat they were on sunk in Akaroa. He said there was a loud sound, as if the boat had run over something, and he thought it might be a rock. It was followed by a whizzing sound that could have been from the engine.<\/p>\n Transport Accident Investigation Commission said the investigation team would be travelling to Akaroa “as soon as practicable”.<\/a><\/p>\n It said in the next few days they would be seeking and recovering any wreckage, securing electronic records – including photos, videos, and location data on people’s cellphones – and interviewing witnesses.<\/p>\n Black Cat Cruises said it was launching its own investigation, and would also be working with authorities.<\/p>\n![\"Chris](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4JTXXYC_Akaroa_tourist_jpeg.jpeg\")
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\nPhoto: Chris Friedman\n<\/p>\n