A man was forced to abandon ship when his boat caught fire in the Hauraki Gulf early today.
Emergency services were called to Shark Bay off Ponui Island about 4.30am, where they found a vessel, thought to be a 10-metre wooden launch, "burnt to the water line'' and sinking, police said.
A 48-year-old man, who was the sole occupant, jumped into the water and made his way to shore, where he was rescued.
Police said it appeared the fire started in the galley and rapidly spread through the vessel.
