Photo: Supplied/Matt Rawlings
A Waiheke Island ferry has caught fire in Hauraki Gulf.
A man on a boat nearby Motutapu Island, Bruce Cameron, said he heard a May Day call on VHF radio about 3.50pm about a boat in trouble.
He said he had heard the vessel was on fire, and could see it was about 1.5 miles from where he was.
Cameron said he understands the fire has since been put out, but the steering of the boat has been damaged, and it has now anchored and is waiting for assistance.
A Fullers Ferry had turned back to help, he said, but the height difference between the two vessels and the rocky conditions of the sea meant passengers could not be safely transferred.
A Coastguard NZ spokesperson said the marine operations rescue centre was notified of the ferry fire about 3.40pm.
She said Coastguard Auckland has sent three rescue vessels to help with evacuating passengers.
Initial information suggests the ferry had 18 passengers and six crew members, she said.
Coastguard Howick and police boats have been taking Fire and Emergency personnel to the scene.
Police were also notified of smoke on a ferry near Waiheke Island at 3.40pm. Police said there are no reports of injuries and passengers have been removed from the boat.
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