Two people at the centre of an overnight search are safe after their yacht struck a mystery object in the Hauraki Gulf early this morning.
The Northern Coastguard said those on board the stricken 26ft yacht set off a distress call at 1am saying they had hit an object in the water.
Volunteers from the Kawau Volunteer Coastguard were on the water within half an hour but had trouble finding the craft.
After another sweep of the area the vessel was eventually found well aground at the southern end of Omaha Beach.
The yachties were helped to shore before the beached vessel was secured to wait for the next high tide.
Coastguard said it was pleasing those on board were wearing lifejackets and had two forms of effective communications however it was a good reminder to have a proper passage plan in place and to use the correct navigation equipment, especially when preparing to sail at night.
