Auckland.Scoop
The New Zealand Defence Force was evasive this morning when it announced “an incident” with the navy’s VIP barge. It was more than an incident. The NZ Herald reports that the vessel hit rocks and was taking on water on the way back to Auckland from Waitangi.

The Herald reports that the Rescue Co-ordination Centre got a distress signal about 7am followed by a mayday call shortly afterwards. The mayday call was cancelled once the crew members had made it to safety.

An observer told the Herald: “It has definitely taken on water. It’s good they’ve got it into the harbour or it likely would have sunk.”

Here’s the less than complete official announcement. It doesn’t mention rocks, or maydays, or taking on water. It does sound embarrassed.

News release from NZ Defence Force
The Navy VIP Barge was involved in an incident off the Tutakaka Coast this morning during its return voyage from Waitangi. No personnel were injured in the incident and the Barge is now in the Tutukaka Marina.

An assessment of the damage is now being conducted, however the fuel tanks have not been compromised as the damage is to the forward section of the boat, and the fuel tanks are in the aft section.

Northland Harbourmaster has been advised on the incident. An investigation is underway as to the cause of the incident.