Bay of Plenty Regional Council is working with the owner of a yacht that washed ashore at Mount Maunganui, as plans are being prepared for its safe removal.

Deputy harbourmaster Daniel Rapson said they are in contact with the vessel’s owner and is currently assessing options for recovering the yacht.

Discussions are underway to determine the most suitable method, he said, and any action will be dependent on favourable weather conditions.

The yacht, Heloise, grounded in heavy easterly weather on Thursday afternoon near the end of Tay St before being pushed ashore.

Police and surf lifesaving staff cordoned off the area as a precaution while the situation was assessed.

At the time of the grounding, police said no one appeared to be with the vessel when it beached.

Council is now waiting on an agreed recovery plan and suitable conditions to remove the yacht from the shoreline.