A fishing charter boat is breaking up on rocks near Mount Maunganui, after running aground late on Friday night.
The 12-metre vessel is a well-known fishing charter boat in the area, however it's now being smashed by waves with the front of the boat almost completely destroyed.
It was hoped the 'Miss Fleur' would be refloated at high tide on Saturday, but it's now too badly damaged.
"There are life rings floating in the water, heaps of wood and containers and general debris," said a SunLive reporter.
"The whole front of the boat is completely destroyed and there is a strong smell of diesel."
Passengers who were on the boat all escaped safely, said a police spokesperson.
