On the beach at Tutukaka this morning

[Murky 1]

One of the smaller Navy boats, known as the Commodore's barge and used for ferrying higher-ranking officers around, apparently on its way back from the Waitangi celebrations. Understood to have tagged the main rock at the entrance to the harbour, possibly another "cheers for that, GPS" incident.

 

There is a larger Navy craft in the area - sounds like they are planning to stabilise it (patch, airbags or both, I guess) and tow it back to Auckland.

 

Probably won't go down as the top career-enhancing move of 2012 though.

[smithy09 50]

The entrance is tricky, but not that tricky!!

[PaulR 3]

or was he just doing a little too close inshore survey work

[SloopJohnB 322]

From another topic

 

I ever ran aground.

 

It is not called running aground - it is called engaging in an act of impact hydrography

 

[Guest]

Mrs Lackey, in her former life, was once escorting a visiting foreign Defence Minister on a tour which included the naval base. They were picked up by this very Admiral's Barge at the ferry wharf. Present on board were several senior naval personel, while the working crew consisted of coxwain and a couple of ratings.

 

Half way across the harbour the engine overheated causing a warning alarm to sound. Kate, who has been around boats all her life, was intrigued by the reaction of the blokes in overstuffed white uniforms and gold braid - totally paralized into inaction and palpable embarrassment.

 

To fill the awkward silence, Kate said "why is it always me who has to answer the phone?" Thank goodness one of the ratings scurried into the wheelhouse, threw a switch,and silenced the alarm.