Stranded yacht apparently stolen - police

Thieves had apparently stolen, sailed then abandoned a yacht found stranded on rocks near Lower Hutt in Wellington this morning.

When police investigated this morning, they found the sail up and signs of forced entry, Wellington Maritime Unit's officer in charge John Bryant said.

The tender, or dinghy, from the yacht was found on a nearby beach.

Though police tried to tow the boat from the rocks, it was stuck "high and dry" and the owners would have to come and get it , Mr Bryant said.

Police did not find any hole in the hull, he said.

Another boat moored at Lowry Bay had also been broken into.

Police were trying to contact owners of both vessels, he said.

- NZPA