What becomes of a ship after a disaster? The Wahine Anchor, right here before us, holds a piece of that answer. It’s a solemn reminder of the TEV Wahine ferry tragedy, a dark day in New Zealand’s history. This anchor, salvaged from the wreckage, embodies both the ship’s strength and its vulnerability against the might of nature.
On April 10th, 1968, the Wahine encountered a ferocious storm, the likes of which Wellington had never seen. Cyclone Giselle, colliding with an Antarctic storm, unleashed its fury upon the harbour. Winds raged at over 100 miles per hour. Visibility was reduced to a mere 800 meters.
Battered and disoriented, the Wahine was driven onto Barrett Reef at the harbour entrance. Despite desperate attempts to regain control and rescue efforts hampered by the relentless storm, the Wahine tragically capsized. The disaster claimed the lives of 53 people. It left an indelible mark on the nation’s memory. The Wahine Anchor, now ashore, stands as a testament to that fateful day. It serves as a reminder of the power of the sea and the importance of maritime safety. It also honors the memory of those lost and the heroic actions of the rescuers.