Mayday: Yacht sinks off Great Barrier Island, people rescued

The stricken yacht lying in the water near The Needles at Great Barrier Island. Photo / Supplied by Neil Westbrooke

A man was rescued from his yacht as the vessel sunk into the drink off Great Barrier Island on Friday.

It is understood the man sent out a mayday call after the boat started to sink at about 3.15pm and the RNZAF deployed a P-3 Orion to rescue him.

However, another boatie in the vicinity got to the sinking vessel first, helped the man off and transported him back to Port Fitzroy.

The Herald understands the man - the sole occupant of the yacht - was not injured.

The Coastguard was aware of the incident but as the man was helped by another boatie, did not attend.

The boat remains in the water near Needle Point, according to Great Barrier residents.

'We saw it yesterday about midday and checked it, there was no one on board then," said one man.

"Lots of gear floating around - hatch cover, mattress, cans, bottle, oil containers etc."