Luxury launch hits rocks

The launch was returning from Fiji when it struck a reef just off the Tauranga coast. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A luxury launch believed to be worth more than $400,000 was this morning lying wrecked on the Tauranga coast after hitting rocks overnight.

The collision happened after the boat crossed the path of a container ship and sparked a dramatic rescue.

Owner and skipper, Rotorua man Darryl Hadlow, 47, was on the beach this morning helping clear debris from his launch, Paradise.

Mr Hadlow said he was too busy to talk about the ordeal this morning.

The skipper suffered a minor head injury in the collision and was treated by St John once back on shore about midnight. Two other men onboard, including his father, were uninjured.

Mr Hadlow and the two other men were on board the 53-foot launch when it crossed the path of the ANL Birrong, an Australian container ship leaving the harbour.

A Port of Tauranga spokesperson said the launch was on a longer journey from Fiji to Tauranga and as the three travellers entered the harbour it appeared they "overshot" the entrance.

The spokesperson said the men passed clear in front of the ship.

The launch then hit rocks on the eastern side of Rabbit Island, sparking a rescue by the Port of Tauranga pilot launch. Mount Maunganui Police Sergeant Craig Madden said a mayday call was received from Paradise on the marine emergency channel at 10.40 last night, saying the vessel had struck rocks. Due to the extent of the damage, Mr Madden said the launch became semi-submerged, beaching into the sea bed in about 3m of water south east of Rabbit Island. He said conditions at sea were relatively good last night, with a swell of just over half a metre.

Mr Madden said police would be investigating the incident with Maritime New Zealand.

He would not comment on the cause of the collision until the full investigation was complete.

The launch was secured by Tauranga Coastguard, who salvaged the boat off the rocks and secured it 100m off the beach, near Rabbit Island.

However, this morning it lay on the beach, opposite Grove Ave, badly damaged. The men were met by police when they got back to shore.

Manager of the Tauranga Bridge Marina Tony Arnold said the launch was on its way to berth at Tauranga Marina for the night.

Tauranga Boat Sales valued the Symbol 53 boat in excess of $400,000.