Why Did Wahine Sink?

The sinking of the Lyttelton–Wellington ferry Wahine on 10 April 1968 was New Zealand's worst modern maritime disaster. ... Although the main cause of the accident was the atrocious weather conditions, the subsequent inquest also acknowledged that errors of judgement had been made both on board the ferry and on shore.

What caused the Wahine to sink?

The main cause of the Wahine's sinking was that the ship went off course in one of the worst storms in New Zealand's recorded history, and as s result went out of control and struck Barrett Reef. The build-up of water in the vehicle hold was the reason the ferry finally capsized.

What happened to the Wahine after it sank?

"The Wahine no longer exists as a ship," The Evening Post said. "It is gashed, torn and crumpled into unrecognisable shape. It is thought that the continual surging of the surf had scooped out a trench alongside the hull which then slid down into it, breaking her back."