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On 10 April 1968 the Lyttelton–Wellington ferry Wahine ran aground and sank at the entrance to Wellington Harbour. Fifty-three people died as a result of the accident, 51 on the day. These news features include aerial footage of the ship after the storm, and NZBC reporters conducting dramatic interviews with survivors, police and the head of the Union Steam Ship Company. Coverage was only seen by mainlanders after a cameraman rushed to Kaikoura and filmed a TV set that could receive a signal from Wellington, then returned to Christchurch so the footage could be broadcast. Reporter Keith Aberdein reflects on his experience covering the tragedy in the backgrounder.
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A photo taken the day the Wahine ran aground in April 1968. Soundman (later cameraman) Peter Janes is holding the microphone at the left of the frame.
Photo courtesy of The Dominion Post
