Burnt boat heading to Nelson

The Te Aroha is towed across the Grey River. Photo: Greymouth Star
The Te Aroha is towed across the Grey River. Photo: Greymouth Star

The burned out hull of the unmanned Te Aroha, with the wheelhouse removed, was towed across the Grey River bar by fellow Greymouth boat the Wendy J yesterday, en route for Nelson yesterday.

Owner and Westfleet manager John Brown said the Te Aroha would be based in Nelson while awaiting a decision on its fate.

"It is in the hands of the insurance company and on Friday I will know more, whether I decide to rebuild or have the boat replaced, but it would be a hard boat to replace," Mr Brown said.

The Te Aroha suffered $350,000 damage in a suspicious fire while berthed at the Greymouth wharf. Investigations are continuing.

"The insurance company and police are hot on the trail, and the insurance company is carrying out its own investigation," he said.