Pacific Sun cleared to leave Auckland

A cruise ship on which dozens of passengers were injured when it struck stormy seas off New Zealand on Wednesday has been cleared to depart Auckland after a safety check.

The Pacific Sun was on its way from the Pacific Islands to Auckland when it rolled sharply in seven metre swells several hundred kilometres north of New Zealand.

About 40 of more than 1700 passengers and 671 crew needed to be treated for injuries sustained in the incident, and many were relieved when the ship made it to port behind schedule yesterday afternoon.

Maritime NZ (MNZ) general manager of maritime operations John Mansell said a thorough safety inspection was carried out today both by an MNZ representative and surveyors representing the United Kingdom-registered vessel's own maritime authorities.

Mr Mansell said all were in agreement the ship was safe to depart.

He said inspections had revealed no structural damage caused by the heavy weather.

- NZPA