Fishing boat runs aground off Catlins

A fishing boat has gone aground at Curio Bay, on the coast off the Catlins, and an attempt will be made later today to tow it free.

The two people aboard the 40-foot wooden Silver Fern made a mayday call at 5.49am to the Rescue Co-ordination Centre and a helicopter was sent to investigate.

Invercargill police Senior Sergeant Dave Raynes said he had arranged for an oyster boat to tow the Silver Fern free at high tide, about 11am.

- NZPA