The salvage operation to retrieve the Kestrel has started today.
Work is underway to raise the historic ferry from where it sank at its berth at Wynyard wharf overnight Monday.
Those behind efforts to restore the iconic Auckland ferry hope to get a better picture in coming days as to why the historic vessel sank so quickly and if it can be restored.
The Kestrel Preservation Society committee member Hugh Gladwell said a crane had started lifting sections of the wooden vessel that had become detached when it sank and were now floating in the water.
"They're lifting part of the upper deck and cabin top from the boat which has become detached."