Interislander ferry returns to Wellington due to security threat

The Interislander ferry is returning to Wellington due to a security threat. Photo / Melissa Nightingale

By RNZ

An Interislander ferry returned to Wellington due to a security threat this morning.

Police confirmed they received a report at 9.05am regarding "an item of concern" on a ferry which had departed Wellingtoin five minutes earlier.

The ship returned immediately to dock and passengers were evacuated which police carry out enquiries onboard.

"Cordons will be in place in the Aotea Quay area around the ferry terminal and people are advised to avoid the area while the incident is dealt with," police initially said in a statement.

But those cordons were stood down shortly before 11.30am after police were able to confirm ther was "no suspicious item onboard and no cause for concern".

"Interislander are working to move passengers to their destinations," police said.

"Enquiries are continuing as to the identity of the person who made the threat."

- RNZ