The Defence Minister has described the Navy launch which struck a reef today as "an embarrassment" and says he will be demanding answers.
Coastguard received a mayday call at 7am after the VIP Barge hit rocks off the Tutakaka coast. It began to sink within minutes.
Four Navy personnel on board managed to get on to a support barge and the stricken vessel was towed ashore.
"I think it is an embarrassment for the Navy and I want some clear answers as to why this happened," Jonathan Coleman said today.
"Clearly there's been some error of judgement. I don't want to prejudge what that is but clearly something's gone very wrong."
The vessel is used to transport VIPs and was making its way back to Devonport after being used at the Waitangi Day celebrations.
The Navy won't comment on how the vessel was able to hit the rock, but locals say the Tutukaka coastline can be difficult to navigate.
"There is a lot of reef around that coastline and you do have to know where that is," David Ryburn told ONE News.
"There's a lot of submerged reef that if you're not looking at your electronics it can be tricky."
The vessel was left with a 50 - 60cm hole on its side and will be taken back to its base in Devonport for repairs.
The Navy is investigating the incident.
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