The Greymouth fishing boat that suffered $350,000 of damage in a suspicious blaze while moored at the wharf early last week, is about to be towed to Nelson for repairs.
The fallout from the fire has cost up to 10 jobs.
Owner and Westfleet manager John Brown said the wheelhouse had been removed and diesel and oil pumped from the vessel after the crime scene cordons had been lifted and the insurance company had given the okay.
Mr Brown was just thankful there was no loss of life at the time of the fire.
"The vessel was due to sail in the early hours of the morning it was set alight. Some the crew sleep on board the night before sailing - it could have been tragic.
"It's not just the cost of the damage to the boat but it will have an effect on our casual staff," Mr Brown said.
The fire is being treated as suspicious and both the Greymouth CIB and Fire Service have been investigating the cause and circumstances of the fire.
Another local boat the Wendy J will tow the Te Aroha to Nelson.
- Greymouth Star