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Synopsis

On April 10th 1968 the Lyttelton–Wellington ferry Wahine ran aground and sank at the entrance to Wellington Harbour. 53 people died. This news piece features aerial footage of the ship after the storm, and NZBC reporters (including a young Keith Aberdein) conduct dramatic interviews with survivors, police and the head of the Union Steam Ship Company. Coverage was only seen by South Islanders after a cameraman rushed up to Kaikoura and filmed a TV set that could receive a signal from Wellington - then returned to Christchurch so the footage could be broadcast.

Credits (4)

 John Blick
 Bill Alexander

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Comments (1)

 Ross

Ross

I think the baby girl in the second clip is Joanna Brittain. Went to school with her at Whakatane high school 1982

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 NZ Broadcasting Corporation

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