Boat issues Mayday call after run of bad luck

A rescue helicopter was heading to the area to help the person with the broken leg. Photo / File

Five people on a boat issued a Mayday call after a run of bad luck this afternoon.

The occupants of a boat near D'Urville Island, Marlborough, sent out a Mayday about 1.15pm.

A Maritime New Zealand spokesman said the boat was on the northeastern side of D'Urville Island, near the Rangitoto Islands.

"They were taking on water. They were heading to French Pass because one of the five had broken their leg. Now the leg break has got nothing to do with the taking on water. At this stage they're bailing the boat and it's stable and anchored," he said about 3pm.

A rescue helicopter was heading to the area from Nelson to help the person with the broken leg.

Meanwhile, a boat that was a few nautical miles away from the distressed vessel had also gone to help.

The person with the broken leg was taken off the boat and was due to arrive at Nelson Hospital at 3.30pm.

"The vessel itself is under tow," Maritime New Zealand spokesman Steve Rendle said.

The boat was expected to go to Nelson via French Pass but if currents or other sea conditions prevented that from happening, the boat would go to French Pass village.

"They've got a second bilge pump on board," Mr Rendle said. "It looks like a good ending."