Stranding chaos on Waiheke partly our fault, say Fullers

Douglas Hudson

Ferry operator Fullers has said it is "partly" responsible for the chaos that ensued after it left more than 100 passengers stranded at the Waiheke Island terminal overnight.

About 120 people were left on the island after they could not all fit on to the last Fullers ferry at 12.30am on Sunday.

The waiting passengers reportedly broke into the ferry terminal that night, helping themselves to food and trying to light fires to keep warm.

Fullers operations manager Ian Greenslade said on Monday extra staff had been rostered on to deal with people returning from a dance party at Stoney Ridge vineyard.

However, no extra sailings had been scheduled.

Yesterday Fullers chief executive Douglas Hudson told television's 3 News the company had not sent another boat back to pick up the remaining passengers, "as would have been expected".

"Therefore what evolved from that certainly is partly our responsibility."

- NZPA