The wreck of the launch Ranui in Tauranga Harbour entrance in 1950 will be covered on the TV tonight on TV1 (8.30pm).

Descent from Disaster will retrace the story of the Ranui, which capsized off Mount Maunganui just before 6pm on December 28, with the loss of 22 lives.

The Ranui. Photo: Facebook

The near-new launch was returning from Mayor Island in rough weather when a large wave lifted the 45ft launch by the stern and tipped it end-over-end.

Of 23 on board there was one survivor – 19-year-old Phillip Smith, the son of one of the Ranui's three crew.

Phillip was lifted over the rocks by a large wave and pulled to safety.

There is a memorial plaque near the base track at the site, next to an engine block believed to be from the Ranui.