Arahura limps to Picton after losing power

The Interisland ferry Arahura made a slow and steady trip to Picton this afternoon after losing power in the Cook Strait.

The Arahura had lost power about 1.4 nautical miles from the Tory Channel and came to a stop at the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound.

The ferry was understood to have had a problem with its propulsion system and engineers were checking it over.

Police said authorities were alerted to a mechanical failure at about 12pm.

"Emergency services responded and a short time later and the vessel regained full power and continued its journey to Picton."

Police said no one was in danger.

After the Arahura regained power it slowly made it was to Picton and arrived at about 3.40pm, about two and a half hours late.

There were 670 people on board the Arahura, which has a superior record to its sister ferry - the Aratere.

Maritime Safety Authority Director, Russell Kilvington said the weather is rough so a tug was due to meet the ship.

He said any power failure in a relatively confined waterway could result in the vessel drifting on to rocks.

He said they want to avoid any risk to life or to the environment.

- Newstalk ZB and Herald staff