Passengers evacuated after Waiheke Island ferry catches fire

Thursday 23 October 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Thu 23 Oct 2025, 6:28pm

An Island Direct ferry caught fire in the Hauraki Gulf on Thursday afternoon following an alleged engine exhaust issue. Passengers were safely evacuated by three responding vessels after a mayday call was issued. Several ferry sailings were subsequently cancelled due to the incident.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldThu 23 Oct 2025, 4:31pm

   Ferry catches fire off Waiheke Island in Hauraki Gulf (opens in new tab)

2. RNZThu 23 Oct 2025, 5:07pm

   Waiheke Island ferry catches fire (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsThu 23 Oct 2025, 5:48pm

   Fire onboard Waiheke Island ferry, passengers forced to evacuate (opens in new tab)

4. StuffThu 23 Oct 2025, 6:28pm

   Smoke pours from Waiheke Island ferry after ‘exhaust issue’ (opens in new tab)