A launch that caught fire off Wellington's south coast this afternoon has sunk as it was being towed back to Wellington Harbour.
The sole crew member was forced to take to a liferaft after the 13m wooden craft erupted in a ball of flames near Fitzroy Bay about one kilometre offshore.
A police central communications spokesman said the crewman was plucked from the water and taken to Wellington Hospital after inhaling fumes.
The police maritime unit took about an hour to bring the blaze under control.
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The interisland ferry was diverted to the scene but was not needed and continued on its journey.
A tow line was attached to the boat, which sank around 500m south of Barrett Reef near the harbour entrance.
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