Boat sinks in Tauranga Harbour

Bay of Plenty Regional Council harbour master tends to a sunken boat in Tauranga Harbour. Photo/Andrew Warner

A boat has sunk in Tauranga Harbour and authorities are now on standby in case the vessel leaks oil.

The 11-12m white wooden launch had been on a swing mooring at the end of 2nd Ave when Bay of Plenty Regional Council were notified of it sinking this morning. Water had reached the vessel's decks by the time deputy harbour master Chris Isherwood arrived.

The sunken launch. Photo/Andrew Warner

By about 9.30am, a reporter at the scene said only the boat's cabin could be seen above the water line, while the harbour master boat attended to it.

Mr Isherwood said the boat was now sitting on the bottom of the sea floor and the tide was coming in.

Mr Isherwood said they were now on standby at the scene with absorbent booms to help mop up any potential leaking fuel.

No fuel had been seen yet.

Mr Isherwood said they were still trying to track down the owner of the boat.

The cause of the sinking was unknown at this stage.