Coastguard rescues boaties from fire

Six boaties were rescued in two incidents today. File photo.

The Coastguard has rescued six people from two boats in separate incidents today.

A 10m launch caught fire this afternoon off Waipu Cove, south of Whangarei.

A Coastguard boat was already in the area so was able to get to the launch about eight minutes after the alarm was raised, Coastguard Northern Region spokeswoman Georgie Smith said.

Coastguard personnel contained the fire.

Three people were on board. The boat was being towed to Marsden Cove Marina this afternoon where the Fire Service will inspect it.

Earlier today, a runabout, also with three people on board, had an engine breakdown and started drifting towards the Raglan Bar.

The Coastguard said with no engine and rough seas, the boat was in a precarious position but luckily a member of the public raised the alarm.

"They were drifting out towards the bar ... it isn't a bar you want to be stuck on," Ms Smith said.

Waikato Regional Council said bar crossings were a "high risk activity for even the most experienced" boaties.