Photo / Dale Anthony
A boat which caught fire off Waiheke Island this morning has been towed back to Auckland.
The Minty, a 42-foot Riviera flybridge launch, caught fire near Matiatia Wharf off Waiheke Island shortly after 11.30am.
Five people were rescued from the burning vessel by Coastguard and taken to safety.
No one was injured, Coastguard duty officer Peter Seymour-Nash said.
Coastguard North Shore Rescue first attempted to douse the flames, but the fire was too large, Mr Seymour-Nash said.
The five occupants of the boat were then rescued and the Fire Service took over battling the blaze. It was put out a short time later.
The boat was towed back to Westhaven Marina by a Coastguard vessel.
A fire investigator has examined the vessel, but no information about how it may have been caused has yet been released.
Many boats were out on the harbour today for Auckland's Anniversary Day Regatta.
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'He has disregarded our voice and continued with this divisive kaupapa.'