Jane Meares: Transport Accident Investigation Commission Chief Commissioner on the Bay of Islands boat crash - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A major investigation is in progress after a Bay of Islands boat crash has left a skipper fighting for his life.

A recreational launch slammed into a passenger ferry that was travelling from Paihia to Russell about midday yesterday.

Passengers had to clamber on to a third vessel before the ferry sank.

Police, Maritime NZ, and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission are gathering evidence.

Chief Commissioner Jane Meares says that witnesses claim no one was at the helm of the launch.

She says they'll be seeking to interview passengers on the ferry and anyone else in the vicinity.

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