Gone - but not fishing

A distinctive commercial fishing boat has disappeared from its mooring without a trace.

Mike Antrobus last saw his $60,000 boat, Star Trek, at its Pilot Bay mooring on Monday night.

His sister went for a walk around Mount Maunganui on Tuesday evening and noticed the turquoise 10m Care-style trawler was not there but assumed Mr Antrobus had gone out fishing.

It was not until she spoke to him later that the alarm was raised.

"I'm just baffled. I don't know why a fishing boat it's probably the hardest thing in the world to hide," he said. "It's not easy to break into and there are so many boats that would be easier to steal."

The key was not on board and a window would have to have been broken to get into the boat as the door was secured with bars and a padlock, he said.

Mr Antrobus, a commercial fisherman, said the boat was a big part of his livelihood and the way he earned a living.

"I'm not fishing at the moment. I'm just looking for my boat."

He has reported the stolen boat to the police and Maritime New Zealand in the hope someone may see it.

The boat has been rigged for gill netting and has a large net box on the back.

The boat, which was not insured, cruised at about seven knots and could have gone about 500 nautical miles with the amount of fuel on board which meant it could be in the the South Island.

Senior Sergeant Carl Purcell said the theft had been reported and police were making inquiries.

If you have seen the boat or have information call the Tauranga police on (07) 577 4300.