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The 50-foot motor launch struck rocks near Motukorure Island – also known as Centre Island – sometime before 3.45pm on Wednesday and sank fairly quickly, with 1300 litres of diesel on board. The skipper and his passenger were uninjured.
Waikato Regional Council maritime officers arrived just before the vessel sank completely in approximately 20 metres of water and remained on scene to assess whether there was any oil or diesel leak.
It is understood there is around 1300 litres of diesel onboard.
“The good news is that there’s no evidence of oil spill and no smell of diesel in the vicinity of the sunken vessel,” says Regional On Scene Commander Cliff Gibson.
“Based on the information we have, we believe the vessel’s fuel tanks will be intact at this stage, but the breathers will be open.”
A breather is a vent from the tank to relieve pressure. It stops fuel coming back out of the filler tube when the tanks are being filled.
This is the moment a 50-foot launch disappeared in 20 metres of water off Motukorure Island in Mercury Bay. Photo: Waikato Regional Council.
Specialist equipment for recovery of the sunken vessel means recovery is not expected until the middle of next week.
"Given the seriousness and scale of the situation, a formal investigation is likely to follow."
"Our Maritime Officers Hayden and Pete are monitoring the situation twice daily and efforts are underway to arrange salvage which is the responsibility of the vessel owner.
“The good news is that offshore wind conditions are forecast to remain favourable for at least the next week, meaning the vessel is likely to remain in situ and therefore at low risk of breaking up and impacting the environment."
Meanwhile, any boaties on the water over the weekend who see what they believe to be an oily sheen in the vicinity of Motukorure Island, are urged to call 0800 800 401.
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