Investigation after man dies fixing boat

The boat hit a rock near Rangitoto. Photo / Greg Bowker

Maritime New Zealand and police are investigating the death of a man on a launch which hit rocks at Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf last night.

The launch was holed and was taking on water when one of the three crew on board reached into the bilges to check for damage.

It is believed part of his clothing was caught in the revolving drive shaft and he was pulled down into the bilges and under water. It was not clear if he drowned or died from his injuries.

Police and coastguard boats arrived to find the dead man "firmly wedged" under the drive shaft with his mouth below the water level.

His body could not be freed and the launch was towed back to Auckland, where it was lifted out of the water and the body was recovered.

Pumps were put on to the boat and it was towed back to Westhaven Marina and taken out of the water.

Part of the starboard bow was ripped off.

Maritime New Zealand accident investigator Ian Howden said the launch had been inspected but there were other elements of the inquiry yet to be done. He said Maritime New Zealand was working closely with police.

The name of the dead man had yet to be released.

- NZPA