1 Feb 2017

Ship grounding a major loss for Cooks outer islands

From , 4:04 pm on 1 February 2017

The grounding of an inter-island ship dubbed the "dream ship" is a further frustration for residents in the far north of the Cook Islands.

The Moana Nui, which was brought in late last year to improve shipping links between the outer islands and Rarotonga, ran aground off Nassau last Friday and remains stuck there.

The Taio Shipping vessel is badly damaged and an inquiry is underway.

Radio New Zealand International's correspondent in the Cook Islands, Florence Syme Buchanan, spoke with Don Wiseman.  

In Avatiu harbor, Rarotonga - to the left Lady Moana and Maungaroa II. Taio Shipping services reduced to just two vessels following the grounding last week of its star vessel Moana Nui.

In Avatiu harbor, Rarotonga - to the left Lady Moana and Maungaroa II. Taio Shipping services reduced to just two vessels following the grounding last week of its star vessel Moana Nui. Photo: Supplied/ Manava Media