Tug safe after taking on water

File photo / Thinkstock

An old tug which asked for help when it began drifting and taking on water today has made it safely to a berth.

The only person on the 12m tug called for help about 6.30am today, saying he was north of Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf and taking on water.

Rescue boats failed to find it and when the tug was asked to let off flares, it was seen off Eastern Beach, southeast of its reported position.

The Westpac rescue helicopter hovered overhead and talked to the skipper and a rescue boat came alongside, coastguard duty officer Mark Leevers said.

The tug had had a problem with its bilge pump but managed to restart its main engine and headed to a safe berth.

- NZPA