Emergency declared as Interislander loses power in Cook Srait

File image. Photo: LDR / STUFF

A Cook Strait ferry which lost power to its engines has regained limited power, and is on its way to Wellington.

The Interislander ferry, the Kaitaki, lost power and dropped its anchor south-west of Sinclair Head earlier this evening.

KiwiRail said the 800 passengers and 80 crew on board were safe.

Palmerston North City councillor Lorna Johnson, who was on the 2pm sailing from Picton, told RNZ an emergency has been declared.

Life jackets were handed out, but nobody was panicking.

Another passenger onboard said the swell was large for part of the sailing, but calmed down before the ship lost power.

Wellington harbourmaster Grant Nalder confirmed the ship had dropped its anchor south-west of Sinclair Head on Wellington's South Coast.

Tug boats were assisting the ferry back to the Kaiwharawhara terminal.

The cause of the temporary loss of power will be investigated.