Fishing trawler runs aground

A 19m fishing trawler from Nelson with three crew on board was left high and dry after running aground on the Nelson side of French Pass early this morning.

Maritime New Zealand spokesman Steve Corbett said the rescue centre was notified of the incident about 4.30am. Marlborough District Council harbourmaster Alex van Wijngaarden said the vessel was called the Seawyf.

Mr Corbett said no major damage was reported, and another fishing vessel was alongside the Seawyf this morning, waiting for high tide to free it. If efforts to free the Seawyf were successful, the other boat would travel back to Nelson.

No injuries and no diesel spills had been reported.

Mr Corbett said Maritime NZ would be investigating the incident.

French Pass resident Bill Webber said he saw the boat when he went for his morning walk about 6.15am.

Mr Webber said the grounding happened at a place locals called Rock Cod Point.

- NZPA