Crew of Fishing Boat Rescued

The three crewmembers of the fishing vessel that caught fire 185 km northwest of Cape Reinga in the early hours of this morning have been rescued from their liferaft by a helicopter and are on their way back to Auckland.

All three crewmembers are reported to be safe and well, and none the worse for wear for their ordeal.

With relatively calm weather and sea conditions in the area, the rescue went smoothly.

The helicopter has now returned to Te Paki Station near Cape Reinga to refuel, and will shortly be heading back to Auckland with the three crew members.

The fishing vessel abandoned by the crew is still burning and taking on water, and the Maritime Safety Authority has issued a navigation warning to any vessels that might be heading through that area.

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