Sounds residents say ship over speed limit

Marlborough Sounds residents say Toll Shipping is openly flouting a 15-knot speed restriction and the Marlborough District Council is taking no action.

They said the Cook Strait ferry Kaitaki had breached the speed limit, set by a variation to the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan, several times since its maiden crossing two weeks ago.

Sounds resident Jim McMillan said the waves washing over his new jetty from the ship's wash were like "unbreaking surf". He said local authorities were not enforcing restrictions.

The council and Toll Shipping will meet in Blenheim tomorrow to discuss the issue.

- NZPA