Two people and a dog have been rescued from a houseboat after it began sinking near Kawau Island north of Auckland last night.
Kawau Volunteer Coastguard said crews helped two people from a houseboat when the pontoons on one side took on water and the vessel began to sink.
Skipper Thelma Wilson said the team maneuvered alongside the vessel, avoiding debris and sharp fittings in wind squalls of around 30 knots.
“Our helmsman and the crew did a sterling job, enabling the crew to get both occupants and a wee dog safely across onto Kawau Rescue.”
The vessel was already settling on the seabed at high tide and would not sink further, she added.
“The owner will return in daylight and low tide to pump it out and try to sort out the leak. He has a huge job ahead of him.”