Bay island ferry hits rock wall at Redland Bay

A passenger ferry has run aground at one of the busiest ferry terminals in southeast Queensland, disrupting Easter services to four bay islands.

The passenger ferry was docking in Redland Bay and hit the rock wall this morning.

Passengers had to be rescued from a ferry which ran aground at one of the busiest ferry terminals in southeast Queensland today.

Nobody was injured when the 11.20am Sealink water taxi was docking at Redland Bay’s Weinam Creek ferry terminal.

Deckhands helped passengers disembark via the back of the boat on to another ferry which then docked safely at the terminal, some time after midday.

Shocked commuters told of a crunching noise as the ferry hit the rock wall.

Sealink was unavailable for comment but island residents were told to expect initial delays and service disruptions.

It is unknown whether that boat is out of action or the extent of any damage to its hulls.

The passenger ferry ran into the rock wall at Redland Bay, disrupting services. PHOTOS: NAT SHOTBOLT

Passenger on the affected boat Nat Shotbolt said services were running to schedule by 5pm.

She said the deckhand had helped all shocked passengers to safety.

“We got let out through the back to another waiting ferry and then on to dry land,” Ms Shotbolt said.

“It certainly was a loud crunching, scraping noise.”

Winds of more than 30km/h whipped up over the bay today and the incident occurred before high tide at 2.30pm.

The water taxi runs between Redland Bay and the islands of Macleay, Karragarra, Lamb and Russell islands.

Island land owner Ian Olsson said it was an accident waiting to happen.

“It may not have been the worst ferry accident this week – especially after the Suez but it was concerning nevertheless,” Mr Olsson said.

“They should have relocated the ferry terminal to where the priority development area scheme said it should be located – at the top of the quay, out of the wind.

“Besides, the other issue is that we are led to believe the disabled facilities at the TransLink marina do not comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.”