Quick action from neighbouring boaties who had to break into a sinking yacht in Whangarei's Town Basin Marina saved the vessel from going under.
People on nearby boats noticed the sleek vessel sitting low on its pole mooring, and sinking lower by the minute, near the Canopy Bridge at about 5.30pm on Sunday.
Several people rushed to the yacht which was taking on water fast, with two men smashing their way into the cabin.
Immediately, a bucket and broom brigade was set up to bail and sweep out the water filling the vessel.
Within 15 minutes, a Whangarei Fire Service crew arrived and their with pump equipment were ferried by helpers to the yacht which was still sitting alarmingly low.