'We felt a thud': Dozens rescued after Akaroa tourist boat capsizes

Dozens of passengers have been evacuated from a tourist boat after it capsized in Akaroa Harbour.

The incident involved a Black Cat Cruises vessel, which departed Akaroa Wharf at 10.45am with 41 people on board before getting into trouble on its return journey.

Black Cat Cruises chief executive Paul Milligan confirmed in a statement that passengers were evacuated at 12.20pm on Saturday after the vessel grounded just outside the Akaroa Heads.

All 38 passengers and three crew on board were safely evacuated and taken back to the Main Wharf with no injuries reported, he said.

"While some passengers were shaken by the experience, they all commended the crew for their calm, efficient and reassuring manner when evacuating the vessel."

The vessel was currently beached with efforts underway to recover it.

"This is [the] first incident to occur in over 40 years of this nature and naturally safety is our No 1 priority, and we are deeply saddened that this has occurred."

Black Cat Cruises was grateful for the support of local operators and boaties that assisted during this incident, he said.

"We are commencing an investigation into the incident and working with authorities on the matter."

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said it has opened an inquiry into the accident.

Chief investigator of accidents, Louise Cook said the Commission was appealing to any witnesses who filmed or took pictures of the 17-metre commercial passenger vessel during the incident to come forward.

"Getting the facts straight is vital, so we’re keen to hear as soon as possible from people who were on this vessel and anyone who saw the accident, and we’re particularly keen to receive videos or photographs," she said.

The Commission has also appointed a dedicated investigation team, who would be travelling to Akaroa to carry out interviews and collect evidence.

"The initial focus is on gathering evidence that could disappear or change – not just flotsam from the impact, but also memories while they’re fresh in people’s minds," said Cook.

Over the next several days, TAIC’s investigators will be seeking and recovering any wreckage where possible, securing electronic records – including photos, videos, and location data on people’s cellphones – and interviewing witnesses.

American tourist Chris Friedman told 1News he was onboard with his partner and enjoying the dolphin‑watching trip when they suddenly felt a heavy impact.

"We were enjoying a beautiful morning, seeing lots of dolphins," Friedman said.

"About halfway back, we felt a thud. At first we wondered if it was a dolphin or a seal strike."

Friedman said within five minutes, passengers were told to move into the interior of the vessel and don life jackets.

“At that point we noticed water coming into the boat, then we started to see smoke in the galley area.

Nearby private boats responded first. Friedman said passengers were transferred one group at a time, while some remained onboard during the early stages of the evacuation.

He and his partner were shaken but unhurt.

“We just feel bad for the people who panicked, especially a couple of children who were scared. But we’re okay. In the end it’s a good story — and thankfully everyone seems to be safe.”

The pair had been wrapping up a 12-day trip around New Zealand and were due to fly home to San Francisco on Sunday.

"Quite the epic adventure for our final full day here in New Zealand."

An Environment Canterbury spokesperson said an exclusion zone was put in place, and all vessels "must stay clear to ensure the safety of those involved in the response".

"We do not yet know the fuel quantity on-board," they said.

"We are currently assessing and monitoring the situation to safely minimise the impact of fuel and debris on the environment. We have declared a Teir 2 incident response," the spokesperson said.

"We are working alongside the owner, emergency services, the Department of Conservation, Maritime New Zealand, Iwi and the local community."