An order is to be issued to stop people tampering with the wreck and debris of the PeeJay V, which sank after catching fire off Whakatane on Monday.
In a statement issued today, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission said it was working with other agencies to establish an exclusion zone around the wreck of the White Island Tours charter boat.
The commission is also issuing a preservation and protection order under section 12 (1) (C) and (d) of the Accident Transport and Investigation Commission Act 1990 to prohibit people tampering with the wreck and debris.
The investigation team completed its initial evidence gathering in Whakatane today. The team intends to contact passengers next week.
