RealNZ's tourist vessel, the Fiordland Navigator, has been cleared to resume service again after it was grounded in Doubtful Sound last week (24 Jan).

The grounding prompted the captain to broadcast a mayday call and evacuate of all 57 passengers.

Chief Conservation Officer Paul Norris said a RealNZ team and contractors had worked over the last few days to repair the vessel at Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound.

Final repairs were made yesterday, and the vessel surveyor cleared the Navigator to return to service on Monday afternoon (29 Jan), he said.

All regulatory authorities have been supportive of our approach to bring the Navigator back to service, and kept up to date with progress.

We are excited to welcome back our first guests on the Fiordland Navigator’s overnight experience in Doubtful Sound this afternoon, Norris said.

Maritime NZ launched an investigation after the Wednesday incident.

RealNZ is also conducting an internal investigation.