Entrance to Wellington Harbour.

Entrance to Wellington Harbour.
As we took off from Wellington Airport this morning, I got this photo looking out onto the entrance of Wellington Harbour and across to Pencarrow Heads. It was in the entrance of the harbour back on 10th April 1968 (Wednesday) that the TEV Wahine ended up on Barrett Reef, after the engines failed during extreme weather conditions as two violent storms merged over Wellington. Wind gusts up to 130 - 150 km/h were recorded. There was a total of 733 people onboard, and 53 people perished in the sea.
I was working in Wellington and living out at Petone at that time. When we got up in the morning and set off for work, we walked up the centre line of Jackson Street, as foot paths on either side of the street were flooded. On arrival at the train station, it was crowded as no trains had got through that morning on their way to Wellington. One finally arrived, and everyone rushed forward. Some of us stood back, as we decided we would wait for the next one. Just after the very crowded train left the platform, there was an announcement that all further trains services were cancelled until further notice, and everyone was advised to return home.
Power was out, but we were some of the lucky ones, as we had gas for cooking, so were able to prepare hot food and drinks for all of our friends. No-one could believe the news they were hearing on the radio. (battery ones) This was especially the case when I finally got to talk to my parents who were in the Sounds. They couldn't believe it, as there was no wind and beautiful blue skies over there. I have seen photos that they had taken that day, so it was true.
I was heading back to the Sounds for Easter, and on Thursday evening I sailed out on the Interisland ferry, past the doomed ship. It was a very sad sight to see. Plus there were 3 men on the ferry, going to stay at my parents Guest House, who had been part of the Search & Rescue teams. This was the first time they had had sleep since being called out on Wednesday morning to help rescue passengers and crew from the stricken vessel.
Luckily today, wasn't like the weather on the day of the 10th April 1968, and we had an uneventful flight back to Koromiko, then the shuttle bus into Picton, and water taxi to Torea Bay, van over the hill, and then by boat back home.
Then after the Other Half gave a hand to our relief skipper for the last job of the day, we went and picked up our new puppy - a cross between a Smithfield & Jack Russel - her name is Gypsy and you will met her tomorrow. We also brought back one of her brothers, and hope that friends up the road will take him. We had both lost of our old dogs within a month or two, a few years ago.