'King Kong' ship springs leak

King Kong crew were forced to abandon ship when the boat being used to film scenes off the Kapiti Coast sprang a leak and began to take on water yesterday.

Venture 2, the boat bought by director Peter Jackson for use in the film, got into difficulty when the engine room flooded about 8am.

Those on board were transferred to a support boat and then to nearby Kapiti Island as emergency repairs were done.

The Maritime Safety Authority is investigating the incident.