TAKITIMU II
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Report into grounding of pilot boat published
On Jan 29, 2026, New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has released a report into the grounding of the 'Takitimu II' at Striling Point, Bluff, on Dec 26, 2024. The pilot boat had set out from Bluff to transfer a pilot to an incoming ship. After passing Stirling Point, the master made an excessive course alteration and at about 18–20 kt the vessel ran aground on rocks and suffered moderate damage to its hull and underwater fixtures. Two of the three people on board suffered minor injuries. There was no pollution. Coastguard later towed the vessel off the rocks and back to port. Speed and route choice reduced the time available to detect and correct course. Fog patches in the area restricted visibility, yet the master navigated by referring to their usual visual references and didn’t make effective use of the compass and electronic navigation equipment. The deckhand alerted the master when navigation screens showed they were heading toward shore, but by then there was insufficient sea room to avoid the rocks. The Commission found that no mechanical fault, medical event or distraction contributed to the accident. The TAIC identified two linked safety points: • Electronic navigation tools provide a more reliable cross-check when visual cues are degraded. In lower visibility, navigating mainly by eye limits a master’s ability to confirm location and heading. • When tasks are done repeatedly without incident, techniques that work ‘most of the time’ can get normalized, even when people know they’re risky in challenging conditions. This is a common risk in safety-critical operations. At the time of this accident, South Port’s Maritime Transport Operator Plan didn’t require periodic verification of navigation proficiency of pilot-vessel masters. The port had no formal way to confirm that everyday navigation practices continued to reflect best practice. South Port has updated its training and procedures, added six-monthly proficiency assessments and revised its MTOP and standard operating procedures. The TAIC reminded marine professionals: • Use all available navigation aids to confirm position and monitor progress, especially when visibility is reduced. • Make it a habit to cross-check between visual cues and electronic instruments in departure and passage checklists. • Set safe speeds that allow time and sea room to detect and correct errors. • Standardize routes and passage plans and include them in SOPs. • Implement regular, documented proficiency checks and refresher training for launch and pilot-vessel masters. Report with photos: https://www.marinelink.com/news/pilot-vessel-grounding-linked-ineffective-534989
Pilot boat ran aground
The 'Taiitimu II' hit rocks near Stirling Point on Dec 26, 2024, as it was preparing for a vessel movement into Bluff just before 5 a.m. The three people on board were uninjured. Volunteers from Coastguard Bluff responded. The crew was safe and the vessel had been taken back to the port for inspection. An investigation into the incident was under way and contingency plans were in place. Pilotage operations were expected to recommence on Dec 27.
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