Oil smell and debris spotted near sunken yacht in Te Puna Estuary, north of Tauranga

An oil slick is seen coming from the yacht in the Te Puna Estuary. Photo / Dane Chalmers

A yacht is lying on its side in the Te Puna Estuary, with the smell of oil and fuel in the water.

Local woman Claire Rogers said she was kayaking through the estuary this morning when she noticed a strong fuel smell and saw the stricken vessel partially submerged.

A yacht is taking on water and listing to one side in the Te Puna Estuary in the Western Bay of Plenty. Photo / Claire Rogers

She said she could see debris and fuel in the surrounding water.

Rogers contacted the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, where she was told staff were already aware of the situation and planned to visit the site later today to assess it.

The yacht is listing to one side in the Te Puna Estuary in the Western Bay of Plenty. Photo / Claire Rogers

Bay of Plenty harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters told NZME he was aware of the boat and the deputy harbourmaster was in touch with the owner.

Peters said during the inspection today a minor amount of engine oil was observed on the surface of the water in the cabin area.

“Our maritime and environmental response teams are currently sealing up the vessel as best as possible and placing absorbent booms inside the cabin to deal with the oil.

“The owner has been notified and is working to organise salvage. Due to the small volume of oil, the environmental impact is minimal.”

A yacht on its side in the Te Puna Estuary in the Western Bay of Plenty. Photo / Claire Rogers

Peter said the team has assessed the situation and determined that the boat is not a navigational hazard.”

“We are working with the owner regarding any further action required.”