A man was rescued off the Northland coast overnight after a yacht struck rocks and sank.
The yacht struck rocks at Motukawiti Island, about 4 kilometres offshore from Matauri Bay in Northland, shortly before 11pm, police said.
Coastguard and the Northland Rescue Helicopter were sent to the scene, where the vessel was located at about 1am, around 500 metres North of Motukawiti Island.
The yacht had already sunk, with only the mast and sails above the water, police said, and there was was no sign of the skipper, who was the sole occupant. He was found swimming in the sea around half an hour later, and taken to Whangaroa Harbour.
He did not appear to be badly injured, police said.
