The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has launched a marine safety inquiry into the cruise ship carrying nearly 70 people which ran aground in Fiordland's Doubtful Sound last night.
The accident involved the scenic cruise vessel M.V Fiordland Navigator. The incident occurred at about 6.15pm near Crooked Arm in Doubtful Sound and led to a mayday call for assistance.
Reportedly, the vessel ran aground, sustaining a breach in its hull and taking on water.
The overnight cruise was abandoned and the vessel was refloated later in the evening, returning to its berth at Deep Cove, and is now undergoing repairs.
All 57 passengers and 10 crew were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported.
The commission said in a statement this afternoon that investigators were travelling to the area today and planned to be on site tomorrow and over the weekend.
"The team's evidence collection work is broad at first to support the many routes that the investigation could follow.
"As always, TAIC's initial focus is on gathering evidence that could disappear or change — evidence from the accident site, the vessel itself and memories while they're fresh in people's minds.
"Over the next several days, TAIC's investigators will secure electronic records — including photos, videos, and location data on people's cellphones — and interview vessel operator staff, crew and witnesses."
The TAIC statement said investigations would focus on the vessel's history, performance, maintenance, equipment and design.
It said its marine inquires were usually complete within two years.
"The commission opens an inquiry when it believes the circumstances of an accident or incident have — or are likely to have — significant implications for transport safety, or when the inquiry may allow the commission to make findings or recommendations to improve transport safety."
Earlier, the vessel's operators said there was one minor injury checked by medical staff before all guests were returned to Te Anau "safe and well".
"Our focus is on supporting our guests and crew at this time," RealNZ's acting chief executive Paul Norris said in a statement.
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