Ferries diverted in Auckland Harbour after launch bursts into flames

Two passenger ferries travelling through an Auckland harbour changed course after a mayday distress call was issued from a launch engulfed in fire.

The two people on board were able to jump to safety before the boat became fully engulfed in flames and sank, just off Browns Island.

A photo taken onboard the police maritime boat shows firefighters battling the blaze in the middle of the harbour.

Other images from Coastguard New Zealand show thick black smoke billowing into the air and bright orange flames engulfing the vessel.

Firefighters battle the boat blaze from the police maritime boat. Photo / Police

Sergeant Jesse Jenden from the Police Maritime Unit said multiple calls were made at around 8.15am after reports of smoke billowing from the boat.

They said the boat was well engulfed” in flames when the Deodar III arrived with firefighters on board.

All those on board were safe and would be transported back to land shortly.

A Coastguard spokesperson said they transported local firefighters from Howick.

A spokesperson from the Harbourmaster’s Office said crew from their team were on-site clearing the debris.

“The vessel that caught fire was a launch, and it has sunk.”

Ferries diverted in Auckland Harbour after launch bursts into flames. Photo / Coastguard New Zealand

A Fullers360 spokesperson said a ferry was travelling between Half Moon Bay and downtown Auckland when smoke plumes were seen and it immediately diverted from its scheduled service.

A second ferry travelling to Waiheke Island received a mayday call via VHF and also diverted.

They both prepared all firefighting equipment, including hoses and pumps, to support, but it was not required.

Ferries diverted in Auckland Harbour after launch bursts into flames. Photo / Coastguard New Zealand

“Their decisive response ensured all passengers on board the ferry remained at a safe distance and that the evolving incident was managed swiftly and professionally.

“Fullers360 understands that all passengers on board the leisure vessel were safely deployed to another vessel.”

Smoke billows from a launch that caught fire in the Hauraki Gulf. Picture / supplied

The launch was sitting to the east of Browns Island/Motukorea.

Smoke was seen billowing from the vessel on the Hauraki Gulf weather livestream.

The Coastguard spokesperson said the pair were already safe in their dinghy when the police and Fire and Emergency arrived.