Sea retrieval highlights fragile Cook Strait emergency response

The saga of the beleaguered MV Shiling cargo ship which will be towed into Wellington Harbour this morning after losing power at sea nearly two weeks ago has highlighted the "fragile" emergency response capability in the event of a maritime disaster in the Cook Strait. Earlier this year, the Interislander ferry Kaitaki lost power in Cook Strait and started drifting towards the rocky south coast with 864 people on board. Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor and Greater Wellington Regional Council Chairman Daran Ponter have written to the Transport Minister outlining their concerns about the lack of a tug capable of an open water rescue. They are to meet Associate Transport Minister Kiri Allen next week. The join Kathryn, along with Wellington Harbourmaster Grant Nalder.