Boat rescued from high seas off Bay of Plenty

Coastguard is helping a boat struggling in seas off Bay of Plenty. Photo / google maps

A powerboat is reportedly back in Tauranga after getting into trouble in high seas off Bay of Plenty this morning.

Police say the 6m power boat had problems crossing the Bowentown Bar off Waihi and the two people on board had feared for their safety.

Coastguard northern region duty officer Nico Doodeman said they received a message on the VHF signal at 3am saying the boat had crossed the bar but was not coping with the rough conditions.

"They were having issues with their navigation equipment so became quite disorentiated and concerned for their safety."

Doodeman said two Coastguard vessels were launched from Waihi and Tauranga to escort the boat, which had left at 2.30am for a fishing trip, back to Tauranga.

Those on board were safe but incredibly exhausted from their ordeal, said Doodeman.

A police spokeswoman said the boat had now reported safely berthed at Omokoroa.

"It appears that they just got into trouble with their boat," the police spokeswoman said.