A maritime expert has testified that "foolhardy" decisions by an Interislander ferry captain almost caused the ferry Aratere to capsize, during a crossing of Cook Strait in rough seas.
Captain Wayne Osmond was suspended by Maritime New Zealand as a master after the March 3 journey, when the ship heeled
over 45 and 50 degrees on two separate occasions.
Mr Osmond -- in the Wellington District Court -- claims the suspension was unreasonable and unjustified.
The court has heard how Mr Osmond's control of the Aratere during the crossing had been criticised, the Dominion Post reported.
During the sailing, five rail freight carriages were toppled and trucks and cars were damaged. Three passengers and a crew member were injured. One suffered a broken arm and the others had minor injuries.
Maritime NZ's expert witness Gordon Wood, a former ferrymaster, said at the hearing's first day yesterday that Mr Osmond's captaining of the ferry during the crossing was flawed and "foolhardy".
Mr Wood said if the ferry had capsized most passengers would have been trapped inside and would have had no warning or time to put on lifejackets.
"It is not unreasonable to conclude that heavy loss of life would have occurred."
Mr Wood's evidence is strongly disputed by Mr Osmond, who will call a string of witnesses.
Under cross-examination, Mr Wood conceded he was not familiar with all the Aratere's characteristics and had not examined data on the ferry's stability.
He had applied for a master's position with the Interislander that Mr Osmond was later appointed to, the court was told.
Maritime NZ and Transport Accident Investigation Commission investigations into the sailing are continuing.
- NZPA
