Dramatic amateur footage shows the intensity of the fire engulfing a boat near Whakatane this afternoon.
Three people are in hospital after dozens were rescued from the vessel, which burst into flames just before 4pm.
There were 60 passengers and crew on board the PeeJay Charter vessel when the blaze took hold, forcing them to jump into the water. The Coastguard and several local boats went out to save them.
One person is suffering from smoke inhalation and another has minor injuries after jumping from the boat.
A helicopter has carried out a sweep of the water to confirm everyone has been rescued.
RadioLIVE / 3 News
