''We understand the damage is isolated to the props, however this will be confirmed when the vessel is slipped later this week.''
Parker said he couldn't comment on the cause of the grounding while it was still being investigated.
Coastguard Bay of Islands was not required. Low tide on Saturday was about 4.20pm.
Brampton Reef, also known as Brampton Shoal or Brampton Bank, is the remnants of a lava flow which takes its name from the ship which ''discovered'' the then-uncharted reef in 1823.
The Brampton had arrived a few weeks earlier with Henry and Marianne Williams, who established the Anglican mission at Paihia, and was on its way back to Sydney when it ran aground.
The 28 passengers on board — who included the Rev Samuel Marsden — were taken to nearby Moturoa Island, the mission station at Rangihoua Bay, and Paihia.
The Brampton remained upright and stuck fast even as the bottom of the vessel broke up, allowing luggage, provisions and timber to be salvaged over the following days.