Critics say ships in trouble in open water around Aotearoa are relying on good luck more than good management to get them safely to harbour.
The domestic cargo ship Rangitata hit engine trouble off Cape Palliser earlier this month - and was fortunate that a local operator was on hand to tow it to Wellington.
It follows recent, similar problems in open water with both the Interislander's Kaitaki ferry and MV Shiling cargo ship.
Krystal Gibbens reports.
