TEV Wahine Ferry Sinks in Wellington Harbour

April 10th, 1968

April 10th, 1968

TEV Wahine Ferry Sinks in Wellington Harbour
How Long Ago?

56 years, 11 months, 5 days ago

Location

Wellington, New Zealand

Category

Accidents & Tragedies

Links & References
Tags

TEV Wahine Ferry Sinks in Wellington Harbour

The TEV Wahine, a Ro-Pax ferry, sank in Wellington Harbour during a fierce storm characterized by the strongest winds ever recorded in the region. Onboard were 734 passengers and crew, leading to a tragic loss of fifty-three lives. The incident raised significant concerns over maritime safety and weather preparedness.

TEV Wahine submerged under severe weather conditions.

Strongest winds ever recorded in Wellington Harbour.

Rescue operations faced significant challenges.

53 fatalities occurred from the sinking.

What Happened?

On a turbulent day in Wellington Harbour, the TEV Wahine, a prominent ferry known for transporting travelers between the North and South Islands of New Zealand, succumbed to powerful winds and rough seas. The storm conditions were unprecedented, with winds reaching speeds that had not been previously recorded in the area. The vessel encountered critical difficulties as it attempted to navigate the choppy waters, leading to a series of catastrophic failures. Despite the crew's efforts to stabilize the situation, the ferry capsized, resulting in chaos onboard as passengers scrambled for safety. Rescue operations took place amidst the storm, complicating efforts to save those trapped or struggling in the water.

Survivors recounted harrowing tales of the moments preceding the vessel's sinking, detailing the panic and desperation that ensued. Emergency services, along with local citizens, responded to the crisis, with many working tirelessly for hours to locate and assist survivors. On that fateful day, the loss of life was deeply felt across the community and raised numerous questions about safety regulations governing passenger ferries in New Zealand. The TEV Wahine disaster became a pivotal moment in maritime safety discussions, prompting reviews of weather forecasting and shipping operations.

Why Does it Matter?

The TEV Wahine incident is significant as it led to increased scrutiny regarding maritime safety standards in New Zealand. The disaster highlighted the need for improved weather forecasting and communication protocols for vessels operating in adverse conditions. The event is a critical case study in maritime disaster response and has since influenced regulations concerning passenger ferry operations worldwide.

Discover More Historic Events from April 10th

Crime & Law

Mass Shooting at Old National Bank in Louisville

April 10th, 2023 1 years ago

A tragic mass shooting occurred at the Old National Bank in Louisville, Kentucky, which resulted in five fatalities and eight injuries. The shooter opened fire during a bank meeting, targeting employees and patrons. Local authorities responded quickly, prompting an extensive investigation. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing for safety. The incident has raised discussions about gun control and public safety measures in workplaces across the nation.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

First Image of a Black Hole Revealed

April 10th, 2019 5 years ago

Scientists from the Event Horizon Telescope project unveiled the first-ever image of a black hole located at the center of the M87 galaxy. This groundbreaking achievement was the result of a global collaboration of over 200 researchers working in various institutions worldwide. The image revealed a bright ring formed by light bending around the black hole's gravitational pull, providing significant evidence of the existence of black holes and confirming theories of general relativity.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Devastating Fire at Paravur Temple Gathering

April 10th, 2016 8 years ago

During the seventh day of Bhadrakali worship at the Paravur temple, a fire broke out as firecrackers exploded due to poor storage practices. Thousands of devotees had gathered to participate in the festivities for Vishu. The incident resulted in over one hundred fatalities, with many more injured, prompting an immediate investigation into safety protocols controlling the storage of pyrotechnics near crowded areas.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

6.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Multiple Countries

April 10th, 2016 8 years ago

A powerful earthquake of 6.6 magnitude struck 39 km west-southwest of Ashkasham, affecting regions in India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Srinagar, and Pakistan. This seismic event unleashed significant tremors felt across the northern regions of these countries, raising concerns regarding structural safety and emergency response. Several aftershocks followed, contributing to fear and uncertainty among residents in the impacted areas.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Tragic Crash of Polish President's Flight

April 10th, 2010 14 years ago

A Polish Air Force Tu-154M crashed near Smolensk, Russia, killing all 96 people aboard, including Polish President Lech Kaczyński and his wife, Maria. The delegation was en route to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre, where thousands of Polish officers were executed by Soviet forces during World War II. The crash occurred in dense fog, leading to speculation about the causes and circumstances surrounding the flight.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Josefa Iloilo Assumes Governance of Fiji

April 10th, 2009 15 years ago

Ratu Josefa Iloilo, the President of Fiji, announced the abrogation of the constitution and assumed all governance control in the country. This move created a significant constitutional crisis, as the legality of his actions was widely questioned. Iloilo's decision stemmed from ongoing political instability and a series of military-led coups that had previously altered the country's political landscape. The announcement significantly affected Fiji's relationship with democratic nations and drew international condemnation.

Continue Reading