Maritime New Zealand has launched an inquiry into the Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands vessel Excitor III after several passengers were injured, including one woman who had to spend 12 weeks in a body brace.

Three young girls were having the time of their lives before two were killed in a horrific boating accident yesterday.

A 33-year-old man was killed and another seriously injured when their boat crashed into a rock near Blanket Bay in Doubtful Sound this morning, police believe.

Wellington's East by West ferry will run restricted services today after one of its ferries was hit by a large wave yesterday morning.

A student who moved to Wellington to escape earthquake devastation in Christchurch was among those trapped in a ferry as it was struck by wild seas this morning.

The East by West Dominion Post ferry was hit by huge waves in Wellington Harbour where students and crew became trapped.

Commuters on a ferry have been rescued in Wellington Harbour this morning, after a large wave was believed to have knocked one person overboard in Worser Bay.

Three young lifeguards were in the right place at the right time yesterday, reviving a man who had shown no signs of life for 20 minutes.

Two teenagers involved in a jetski incident in which Rotorua teenager Bishop Thompson died will face charges.

Tonga's biggest criminal trial, the Priness Ashika ferry sinking, has re-started in Nuku'alofa

A rescue boat skipper made one of the toughest decisions of his life today as he tried to rescue two boaties from the boiling surf at Kawhia on the North Island's west coast.

Police say four people are lucky to be alive after two boats capsized on the Kawhia bar in Waikato today and are praising two local boaties and two commercial vessels for their quick rescue.

One man is dead after a jet boat collided with a marker buoy in Tauranga Harbour this afternoon.

Eight people hurt in a collision between two boats in the Marlborough Sounds yesterday have been discharged from hospital.