Treasure trove of stolen gear on yacht

A floating treasure trove of stolen gear has been found on a stolen yacht in a Northland marina.

The yacht was called Ana when it found at the Marsden Cove Marina, near One Tree Point in Whangarei Harbour.

When stolen, it was called Morning Light.

On board was hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen goods, including dive gear, fish finders, television sets, stereo systems, and binoculars, police said.

Police said one person was arrested at the marina after they were called there following reports of gunfire.

He was facing several charges, but police were now trying to track down the owner of the yacht, a Cavalier 39, the New Zealand Herald reported today.

It was believed to have been used in thefts from baches and moored boats around Northland, including the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri and Whangarei.

Most of the burglaries were at night and scratch marks on one boat suggested the yacht had been taken alongside to load stolen goods, the newspaper said.

Police had been unable to find the owner. The original sail number was believed to be K2249.

Police also said the yacht had been to Auckland and someone must known about it.

The arrested man, 40, from Whangarei, faced seven burglary charges and more were likely, said police.

He was also charged with theft, intentional damage and firearm offences.

He was due to appear again in the District Court in Whangarei this month.