1968 Sinking of the Wahine

The ferry Wahine, with 734 passengers and crew on board, was en route from Lyttelton to Wellington when it fell victim to one of the most ferocious storms in New Zealand’s recorded history. With the loss of 52 lives (a 53rd victim died in 1990 from injuries sustained in the wreck), this was our worst modern maritime disaster.

A shocked nation watched in disbelief as the events of 10 April 1968 were beamed into their living rooms via the then relatively new medium of television. Read more...

Image: The Wahine founders off Steeple Rock