Boat blaze off Wellington coast
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A boat that caught fire off Wellington's south coast has sunk, despite efforts to tow it to shelter.
A man was plucked from the water to safety, after flames engulfed the launch this afternoon.
The boat caught fire about one kilometre offshore near Fitzroy Bay, a police communications spokesman said.
A police Maritime Unit spokesman said the man was picked up from a liferaft after climbing off the boat, described as a launch.
He has been taken to Wellington Hospital, after inhaling fumes from the engine fire.
The police maritime unit fought the fire.
The alarm was raised around 2.40pm.
Despite efforts to tow the remains of the launch to the safety of Wellington Harbour, it sank at 5.20pm around 500 metres south of Barrett Reef.
Life Flight's Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman Logan Taylor said the flames were around three metres high, with the entire boat ablaze.
The crew could see the smoke and flames from their base at Wellington Airport.
They were called out after reports the man had jumped ship, but were not needed, as police managed to pick him up. He was unhurt.
Witness Harriet Palmer said a thick plume of black smoke came off the boat, which was almost on the horizon.
It was visible for kilometres, she said.
People gathered along the south coast to watch the drama.
The Interislander ferry turned around to offer assistance, before resuming its journey.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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