Fishing trawler grounded

An 18.8 metre fishing trawler Philip V grounded on a steep beach north of Ruatoria at around 1am this morning, the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) says.

Search and rescue watchleader Kevin Banaghan said the 48 tonne steel fishing trawler had two people on board at the time it grounded. “Both are safe and well and remain on board the vessel, which is on a 30 degree list, about 20 metres off the beach.”

The grounding occurred around 12 nautical miles north of Ruatoria, just north of the Waiapu River mouth. Low tide this morning was around 8am.

The trawler’s insurance company has contracted a tug from Gisborne, which will make its way to the trawler after it has completed a job scheduled at around 8am. Once underway, it is expected to take six to seven hours to reach the vessel.

An overflight this morning observed no signs of any fuel spill, said local on-scene commander Louise Bennett. As a precautionary measure, booms and absorption pads will be taken to the site, which is accessible by road.

The Gisborne / Tauranga harbourmaster, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission and Marine Pollution Response Service have been informed about the grounding. Maritime New Zealand is investigating.