News from NZ Police at 8.01pm
Just after 6.00p.m. tonight, the passenger ferry, ‘Discovery 360′, en route to Gulf Harbour from Auckland City, developed overheating in the starboard engine. There were 57 passengers and three crew on board the 65′ catamaran.

The vessel was in the Rangitoto Channel off Campbell’s Bay when the engine’s warning system alerted the captain to the problem.

Standard emergency procedures were followed including shutting down the starboard engine, issuing a mayday and getting passengers on to outer decks. Once the engine shut-down was completed, passengers returned inside and the ferry continued on the remaining engine without problems.

Navy vessel, HMNZS Manawanui was in the immediate vicinity and alongside within minutes. Three Coastguard launches responded immediately and the Police launch Deodar responded with fire and ambulance crew on board.

The ferry docked at Gulf Harbour without problems and the passengers were disembarked before fire service personnel entered the engine room for a precautionary inspection. Contrary to earlier speculation there was no sign of fire. There were no injuries reported at any stage.

News from NZ Police at 6.34pm
A ferry with 60 people on board is being escorted to Gulf Harbour by the navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui and the police launch Deodar after a reported engine room fire.

Emergency services were alerted at 6.08p.m. when the ferry was off the bays in the Rangitoto Channel.

There are no reported injuries and the ferry is making good progress on one engine.

No further information is available at this time.

TV3 reports that the Gulf Harbour ferry left Auckland at 5.35.

RadioNZ reports that the fire has been brought under control.