Launches collide in Whangarei Harbour

One of the damaged boats. Photo / Northland District Council

Two launches collided in Whangarei Harbour last night, leaving them both significantly damaged.

The launches collided at the entrance to the harbour and the circumstances of the incident were being investigated by Maritime New Zealand, Northland's Regional Harbourmaster Jim Lyle said.

Authorities were now speaking with the owner of the more badly-damaged launch, which ended up in the Marsden Cove overnight with extensive damage to its bow.

The other vessel had been removed from the water in Whangarei today for repairs, My Lyle said.

Mr Lyle said the incident served as a reminder of the importance of keeping a proper lookout and using correct navigation lights on the water.

"Unfortunately, this overnight incident shows just how easily and spectacularly things can go wrong and we're very lucky not to have had a serious injury, or even a death, as a result."

He said one of the fundamental rules of navigation was 'see and be seen' and while that may or may not have been a factor in this case, too many boaties were placing themselves and others at unnecessary risk by ignoring this and travelling the region's harbours.

Mr Lyle said boaties needed to ensure they kept a proper lookout lookout at all times, which meant having a degree of awareness around the entire vessel, not just the direction it was headed in.

He also said navigation lights were an essential part of any boat's safety equipment.

Mr Lyle urged people navigating in Northland waters to take the time to familiarise themselves with the requirements for navigation lights for their boat, and make sure those lights were fitted and switched on at night.

"Check you have the correct navigation lights at night, use them and make sure you keep a good lookout at all times regardless of how big or small your boat is."