Union Boat Club pontoon removed from Whanganui River for repairs

The Union Boat Club pontoon is lifted from the Whanganui River for repairs.

The Union Boat Club pontoon is afloat no more - but the club hopes it will soon be back in place on the Whanganui River.

Club president Jemal Weston said the pontoon was lifted out of the river on Wednesday, January 3.

"The pontoon was damaged, maybe by being struck by a log, and one end was taking on water," Mr Weston said.

"We needed to get it out before we lost it completely so we had to get Emmetts' crane in to lift it out. Now we will have to figure out what's gone wrong and get it fixed and safe."

Mr Weston said the pontoon had about five sections of buoyancy compartments in it. Prior to it being removed from the river, he warned club members against using it because of the risk it could flip.

"It's unfortunate it's happened at this time of year when we're busy rowing and people are swimming in the river."