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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 as a result of the accident; 51 on the day. This news piece features aerial footage of the ship after the storm, and NZBC reporters conduct dramatic interviews with survivors, police and the head of the Union Steam Ship Company. Coverage was only seen by Mainlanders 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 (6)

 Keith Aberdein
 Gary Cunningham
 Brian Shennan

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Comments (2)

 John Sparks

John Sparks

I used to work as a Steward on the Wahine and left on the 31st March 1968, I would like to know if Garry Cooke and Terry Downes are still alive and their whearabouts, thanking you John Sparks

 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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