The Coastguard says investigations are under way into what caused a luxury charter vessel to take on water, forcing the rescue of nearly 40 people near Auckland on Sunday.
None of the 36 people on board the 18-metre catamaran MV Dreamweaver was injured, but all needed rescuing after the boat took on water in the Tiri Channel off Whangaparaoa.
People coming off the police vessel. Photo: RNZ
One passenger, Aylies Tuua, says it was very frightening and children on board were panicking a bit so she had to try and keep them calm.
The Coastguard says the Fire Service was also called to deal with an electrical fire after the vessel was towed back to the Gulf Harbour Marina.
Spokesperson Georgie Smith says the crew of Dreamweaver handled the situation well, acting in the best interests of their passengers. "Without a doubt," she says, "they've done a great job in making it as secure as they can."
The Coastguard says Maritime New Zealand and the owners of the vessel will both be investigating the incident.
