FIORDLAND NAVIGATOR
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Investigation report: Master fell asleep at the helm
Investigators have concluded the master of the 'Fiordland Navigator'was asleep at the wheel when it ran aground in Doubtful Sound on Jan 24, 2024. It was moderately damaged, including a small hole below the waterline, and several of the 57 passengers on board suffered minor injuries. Following a comprehensive investigation, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission released a report on April 10, 2025, noting it was virtually certain the fatigued master fell asleep at the helm. Chief investigator of accidents Naveen Kozhuppakalam said that the operator RealNZ's policies didn't oversee exhaustion properly. The safety system didn't monitor actual rest hours or effectively manage fatigue risks for sole-charge masters. While the master held a valid medical certificate, there was no process to ensure ongoing medical fitness during the two-year certification period. Also the staff member responsible for safety oversight had an excessive workload, limiting their ability to manage fatigue risks. The master was on the sixth day of a seven-day swing. He was very likely suffering from workload-induced fatigue that had not been recognised or mitigated by the operator's safety management system. This may have been compounded by a potential drowsiness side effect of a prescribed medication they were taking, but the Commission was unable to make a determination on this. Since the accident, RealNZ had improved its standards, strengthened fatigue policies, training, and work-hour monitoring. They have added a second person to the wheelhouse during navigation and reinstated the master's assistant role. And they have introduced a maritime resource planner role and adjusted responsibilities to improve safety oversight. RealNZ chief executive Dave Beeche has welcomed the learnings TAIC identified in relation to the grounding of the 'Fiordland Navigator', including its acknowledgement of the measures already taken by RealNZ as a result of the accident.
Cruise ship ran aground
An inquiry was underway after a mayday call was made and a minor injury reported after the 'Fiordland Naviggator' ran aground in Doubtful Sound on Jan 24, 2024, at 6.15 p.m. near the Crooked Arm in the Doubtful Sound. The captain notified the company, and a mayday call was made, notifying emergency response organisations.
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