A passenger on a ferry that crashed into an Auckland wharf today says people and tables went flying.
Several investigations are underway into the crash, which is thought to have knocked one person out and left others with broken bones.
Operator Fullers said there were 61 passengers and three crew on board at the time of the crash and 17 people were injured.
The ferry was docking at Devonport when it crashed into the wharf at about 11am.
Police said mechanical issues may have been to blame but Fullers said it was too early to say that.
Earl Barnes, from Texas, was on board with his wife and scores of others when it crashed.
"We were just getting close to the dock area and all of a sudden it stopped completely short. We were on the inside. All the benches turned over, rolled. People fell down and fell into the benches."
Mr Barnes said the benches should have been bolted to the floor.
Police said earlier that a number of people on the ferry were receiving medical treatment and about 10 had already gone to hospital.
The vessel was damaged but still afloat.
The Transport Investigation Accident Commission said it was investigating the crash.
It said the ferry had been isolated until investigators arrived from Wellington this afternoon.
It said they would interview the crew and try to learn what happened.
Fullers said it would also launch an investigation.
Passengers were injured when the ferry hit the wharf at Devonport, Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The Fullers ferry that crashed into the wharf in Devonport. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
