A salvage operation raised a launch that sunk in the Iron Pot, Ahuriri on Saturday night. Early efforts, concentrated on containing diesel aboard the boat, that was leaking into the water. NCC are investigating the incident and it has not been confirmed how the sinking happened.
It was a smooth operation for the Hawke's Bay Regional Council as they lifted a sunken launch from the Iron Pot in Napier.
The boat - named Freetime - was discovered by morning strollers early on Sunday still attached to its mooring, and the regional council placed a pollution boomaround it as a precaution while they planned its removal.
With the hull heavy with barnacles, the launch was lifted from the jaded waters of the Iron Pot onto a tow truck by Diacks Cranes on Tuesday morning.
Murky water gushed from four large holes at the back and another at the front of the launch.
Multiple calls to the owner made by the Napier City Council still go unanswered and begs the question of what's going to happen to the stricken vessel.
"A lot of dirty water came out when it got it well clear of the water's edge."
Moore said they were now preparing bills and invoices as they continued to attempt to make contact with the owner.
When it came to the disposal of the boat, Moore said there were two options, one being Onekawa Metal Recyclers could take it away or the boat could be taken out and sunk.
"If we crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's that could be a possibility out in deep waters, but we would have to make sure we're not doing something culturally insensitive."
"At this stage the owner still owns the boat, the city council and myself at the regional council are sitting on his asset and we need to talk."
