Staff illness prevents sailings on replacement ferry

The Stena Alegra, the replacement Interislander ferry for the crippled Aratere, has been plagued by problems since coming into service. Photo / SNPA/Ross Setford

Cook Strait ferry the Stena Alegra is again out of action.

Sailings for Wednesday, Thursday and today have been cancelled, due to illness among the ferry's crew.

Crew members of all rank and position have been struck by illness - and with nine off sick it's caused a domino effect on staffing levels.

Interislander general manager Thomas Davis says staff have had to be juggled between ferries and sailings.

It's hoped the ferry will begin crossing the Cook Strait again on Saturday.

Passengers and freight scheduled to cross on the ferry have been put on alternative sailings.