A launch that caught fire off Wellington's south coast has sunk and is now submerged in 67 metres of water.
The four passengers managed to make a swift escape from what turned into a fierce fire that sent huge plumes of smoke into the air.
A Wellington Free Ambulance spokesperson confirmed all four people have been taken to hospital - two in a mild condition and two in a moderate condition.
Harbourmaster Grant Nalder said the party managed to get into a dinghy before being assisted by a local fishing boat and then by the police launch.
![Emergency services were called to the scene just before midday. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/RFTTKQDN3WKKT7LTPFXDB2IVBE.jpg?auth=5ec017ffa6027da52e24412855fe810111ad8784891818ffaad0ee124fd71cb2&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)