Abandoned boat washes ashore

Windsong washed ashore on Waihi beach the day after it was abandoned at sea. Photo/Melanie Camoin

The boat at the centre of a daring rescue mission last night has washed up on Waihi Beach.

Paul Christenson called for help after the steering failed in his yacht Windsong, leaving him stranded in dangerous seas about 10kms south of Mayor Island.

Rescuers braved the weather and the darkness to save Mr Christenson but were forced to leave the boat adrift.

The yacht washed up at the south end of Waihi Beach this afternoon.

Bay of Plenty harbourmaster Peter Buell confirmed the boat that had washed up was Windsong.

Mr Buell said there had been no fuel spillage from the boat and all the fuel had been removed once it washed ashore.

Mr Christenson's insurance company had been contacted and were making arrangements to have the boat removed, Mr Buell said.