The Wahine was built at Govan, Scotland in 1966
The Wahine Disater
 This website is dedicated to all those who died on that fateful day in 1968

Ten Quick Facts:

  • The Wahine was built in Scotland in 1966.
  • The Wahine was one of the Biggest Roll on, Roll off* ship in the world.
    * Means that you can drive on and drive off.
  • The Wahine weighed 8,948 gross tons.
  • The day's top gust was recorded at Oteranga Bay at 269 km/hr
  • The Wahine was only in service for 20 months before it foundered*.
    * Means sink.
  • The salvage work took five years and wasn't completed till 1973.
  • The Wahine was delayed in construction by a year because of labour disputes.
  • Barrett Reef has claimed over 10 vessels within the last 150 years.
  • The Wahine was able to carry 924 passengers and 125 Crew.
  • She was the second ship to bear the name Wahine.

 

The Wahine Disater:

The Wahine foundered on 10th April, 1968

1/2-056549-F - Alexander Turnbull Library

On the morning of 10th April 1968, the passenger ferry Wahine struck the rocks of Barrett Reef in Wellington Harbour. At 1.15, the order to abandon ship was given as it was listing heavily to the right. In 5 meter swells and with gale force winds, 784 people battled their way to safety. However 51 people didn't and 2 others died of injuries. We chose this topic because we wanted to do something about history that would inform others of the disasters that have happen in New Zealand. By studying for this topic, we have learned a lot about what society and technology was like in the 1960's.

The Wahine Disaster was one of the worst Maritime disasters in New Zealand History. Read through this website to find out what happened and how it happened.

The "Wahine Storm" not only claimed a ship, but also brought widespread destruction to Weliington.

EP/1968/1578/24-F - "The Dominion Post Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This Website is a tribute to those people who died on the Wahine when it foundered in 1968.

Ross James Adamson - 26 years of age

Mrs Leah Edith Bear - 62

Mrs Margaret Morrison Beck - 64

Frederick Burton - 65

Miss Elizabeth Ann Clark - 72

Mrs Bertha Cohen - 64

John Alfred Cox - 47

Cecil Noel Doig - 65

Oswald Colin Duncan - 60

Mrs Margaret Emmett - 37

Mrs Jessie Elizabeth Eriwata - 65

Mrs Olive Daisy Evans - 66

Mrs Cristobel Evelyn Folkard - 50

David Frank Errol Freitas - 60

Leslie Reginald Goodman - 65

Neil Douglas Gutschlag - 20

Miss Alma Anne Hick - 3

Henry Thomas Hickman - 58

Philip Stephen Hicks - 2

Mrs Maisie Mowat Hill - 63

Mrs Kathleen Howard - 74

John Baden Humphrey - 50

Mrs Mary Agnes Jeffrey - 71

Colin Raymond Johnson - 6

Mrs Gladys May Landreth - 59

Mrs Veda Catherine Marshall - 64

Mrs Elizabeth Mary McKay - 71

Mrs Beatrice Ellen McKee - 72

Miss Agnes Gertrude Stonyer Merton - 79

Mrs Ann(e) Beatrice Metcalf - 62

Mrs Helen Patterson Mitchell - 45

Mrs Rose Annie O'Loughlin - 79

Benjamin Joseph Page - 77

Mrs Elizabeth Page - 70

Wallace Allen Robertson - 26

Alfred Gould Rutland - 77

Mrs Margaret Calder Smith - 62

Mrs Mary Elizabeth Tabuteau - 64

Brian Richard Churchill Townsend - 23

Mrs Ethel May Turner - 50

Truby Lionel Turner - 55

Cecil James Wasson - 58

Mrs Beryl Mary Williamson - 59

Mr Hong Yue Yee - 70

Gordon Hick - Died in October 1990 from injuries sustained on the Wahine, April 10 1968.

May Elizabeth Brightwell - Died of injuries sustained on the Wahine, April 10 1968.

Crew:

Howard Alexander Hounsell - 53

Christopher John Morah - 21

George Vincent Austin Murphy - 56

John Spencer Ross - 33

Laurie Angus Sayers - 29

Samuel Stewart Symons - 55

Robin Lester Udell - 21