Fisherman left high and dry

Coastguard vessels could not get a towline to the grounded boat. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A fisherman whose ketch was grounded off the Manukau Heads early yesterday was still waiting last night to be towed off.

The Coastguard was alerted to the stranded 20m boat just before 5am yesterday. It was stuck on mud about 200m west of Nine Pin Rock on the northern side of the harbour entrance.

Manukau and Waiuku Coastguard vessels could not get a towline to the boat through breaking waves, said Mark Leevers, Northern Coastguard duty officer.

A Coastguard jetboat was brought in to deliver the tow line and pass it on to a heavier fishing boat that offered help. But the heavier boat could not move the ketch.

As the tide was going out, rescue attempts were abandoned and arrangements made for a Ports of Auckland tug to go out at high tide, about 8.20pm.

Mr Leevers said the fisherman was in no danger and happy to stay with "his prized possession".