It was a rough ride home from Rottnest for passengers on Tuesday after a ferry started flooding.
Passengers told 7News they weren’t too far out of Fremantle when the Sealink ferry pitched into a wave and water came rushing through an open door.
The water flooded the cabin area of the ferry and it sent families scrambling for safety. Children were in tears and hyperventilating, according to witnesses.
People were rushing to put life jackets on as a panel was ripped from the wall of the boat.
Passengers say they could smell electrical burning.
A Sealink spokeswoman apologised to any concerns caused to customers onboard.
“During a service to Rottnest, we had the side cabin door open to the deck, so guests could enjoy extra fresh air. Unfortunately, during the service some water made its way into the cabin due to an unexpected wave,” she said.
“Our crew did an excellent job cleaning up the excess water quickly and checking in with guests to ensure the safety of all passengers.
“The vessel worked as it is designed to with unexpected waves and remains fully operational.”
No serious injuries were reported.