Person Overboard: Search Underway In Cook Strait

A search operation is underway in the Cook Strait following reports that a person went overboard from an Interislander ferry overnight. Police were alerted to the incident approximately at 2.20am, prompting a coordinated response involving multiple rescue agencies and vessels.

The incident occurred on the Interislander’s Kaiārahi ferry, according to a spokesperson for KiwiRail. The vessel operates across the Cook Strait, connecting the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Following the alert, emergency services mobilized quickly to locate the individual who entered the water.

Search and Rescue Operation

The search effort is being led by the Police and the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand. Coastguard Wellington is providing support to the operation with significant resources deployed to the area. Ten volunteers from Coastguard Wellington assembled at their base at 7.30am on Monday, March 30, 2026, and were on the water by 7.54am.

Coastguard volunteers are searching the area aboard two rescue vessels, the Reremoana and the Spirit of Wellington. These vessels are working in conjunction with other assets to cover the search zone effectively. The Coastguard confirmed it was supporting the police and the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ who are leading the search operation.

Aerial support has also been deployed to assist in the search. On Flight Radar, two rescue helicopters were observed flying in a grid-like pattern in the area over the Cook Strait. GCH Aviation has confirmed that its Nelson/Marlborough rescue helicopter was one of the aircraft assisting with the search. A rescue helicopter was also seen flying in a pattern over the Cook Strait off the coast of Mākara, west of Wellington.

Incident Details and Timeline

Police said they were alerted to the incident about 2.20am. According to statements released by authorities, the ferry crew realized “some time after” the person went overboard, at which point they notified police. This delay between the incident and the notification impacts the ability to pinpoint the exact time and place of the event.

Harbourmaster Grant Nalder addressed the situation, noting the importance of immediate detection in such cases. While he could not comment specifically on this incident, he explained the general protocol for such events.

Ideally [the ship] notices so you have a time and place.

Harbourmaster Grant Nalder

Nalder understood that a police boat was not involved in the search yet at the time of his statement. The focus remains on the coordinated effort between the maritime rescue vessels and the aerial units scanning the water.

Crew Welfare and Union Response

The Maritime Union has responded to the incident, highlighting the impact on the ferry crew. The union stated that crew on board Interislander’s Kaiārahi were shaken by the incident. The union’s Wellington branch secretary, Fiona Mansell, said the union had been in contact with its members on board to ensure their wellbeing was being prioritised.

Our crew members are understandably shaken by the night’s events. The union has requested and is ensuring support is available to the crew, with a focus on those who had direct interaction with the passenger.

Fiona Mansell, Maritime Union Wellington Branch Secretary

Mansell indicated that the union was currently awaiting further information as search and rescue efforts continue. She emphasized the human cost of the event for those involved.

This is a shocking event, and our thoughts are first and foremost with the family and loved ones of the individual involved.

Fiona Mansell, Maritime Union Wellington Branch Secretary

Police Statement

Authorities have clarified the nature of the investigation regarding the incident. Police said while they are trying to locate the person, they are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter. This indicates that the focus is solely on the search and rescue operation rather than a criminal investigation involving other parties.

News organizations are seeking additional information from the public regarding the incident. Those with information are encouraged to contact the relevant news tips lines.

• Email: iwitness@rnz.co.nz
• Email: newstips@stuffdigital.co.nz

The search remains ongoing as of Monday, March 30, 2026. Updates are expected as the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ and Police provide further information on the status of the operation.