A commercial longliner that was driven ashore at Mangonui by Thursday night's nor-easterly storm was winched back into the water under her own steam on Friday's high tide, apparently none the worse for wear.
Harbour warden Steve Smith said on Friday morning that a close watch was being kept for oil or fuel leaks after the boat was driven on to shingle opposite the Mangonui Four Square, but no harm had been done.
"She's got a few scrapes on her keel but the hull hasn't been damaged and there's no sign of anything that will pollute the water," he said, although all that could be done at that stage was to watch and wait for the high tide.
The incident was the second in less than 24 hours, a yacht breaking its mooring on Thursday and being driven on to rocks immediately adjacent to the wharf access. It was towed back into the water, again without damage.
