A case of all hands to the pumps to save launch

The stricken Roa off Kawau Island yesterday. The boat was later patched, pumped out and towed to Gulf Harbour. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

Rocks off Kawau Island claimed a 14m launch early yesterday and prompted a rescue mission to get its three occupants to dry land.

The Roa, a converted wooden fishing trawler, ran aground at 1.30am near Elizabeth Pt at the southern end of the island.

The crew called the Auckland Coast Guard when the boat started to take on water but by the time the coast guard launches Suesea and Markylla arrived, the Roa was stuck fast by the bow to the rocks.

None of the men were injured.

Hibiscus Sea Rescue Trust skipper Mat van der Linden said efforts to pump out the boat were unsuccessful.

The rescue trust crew took the three men to Gulf Harbour. The launch skipper was said to be in his 50s and experienced.

Auckland salvage company Marine Services Auckland arrived at sunrise to find the Roa submerged to the cabin top at high tide. Calm seas allowed the salvage to go smoothly.

A metre square hole in the hull was patched with plywood and the vessel refloated and towed to Gulf Harbour.

Heavy fuel in the tanks was sealed off and an island resident said pollution was confined to a light film washing ashore.