Police and Coastguard are currently dealing with a situation involving a passenger ferry which is on fire off the coast of Whakatane.
It is understood approximately 50+ were on board the vessel when it caught fire and work is ongoing to get those people safely to shore.
No further information is available at this stage and we will bring further updates as available.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 235 8256.