A beached vessel that drew attention at Mount Maunganui’s Pilot Bay has been recovered after becoming stranded overnight, likely because of “strong winds”.

Officials say the owner was responsible for the operation and there were no concerns about pollution or disruption to harbour users.

Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters said the regional council was made aware of the incident when it was called through yesterday evening.

“A maritime officer was dispatched to the site immediately to assess the situation.”

Peters said the vessel had been “successfully refloated” and was now off the beach.

“We are unable to ascertain the reason for the vessel beaching,” he said.

“There are no concerns about fuel, oil or other contaminants leaking to the harbour.”

Peters confirmed the vessel’s owner had been identified and was responsible for the recovery costs.

Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters said the vessel had been “successfully refloated” and was now off the beach. Photo / Chelsea Langereis

“The work was completed early this morning. This was carried out by the owner at his cost.”

MetService meteorologist John Law said winds were strongest yesterday afternoon when a weather front approached the region from the south.

He said strong winds at Tauranga airport were between 40km/h and 50km/h between 3pm and 8pm, with strongest gusts of 74km/h recorded between 5pm and 6pm.

“The winds were coming from the northwest before quickly swinging to the southwest as the front moved over, bringing a period of rain as well.

“While there were no wind warnings in place for the Bay of Plenty, these are strong winds for the region and would have generated some rough conditions on the water.”

Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.