A 53 foot yacht was rescued from Mayor Island this morning by Waihi Beach Coastguard and Tauranga Coastguard.
It is understood the yacht, Pirana, had motor-sailed from Tauranga earlier and got into problems when the propeller would not turn.
Tim Watts of Waihi Beach Coastguard said "they picked up something on their prop[eller] so they had to put down their anchor and their anchor dragged over night".
He said the big seas had moved the anchor.
"There's about two metre seas out the back of Mayor... It's a bit nasty."
Waihi Beach Coastguard vessel Gallagher Rescue went to the yacht's aid when it called for help and ensured their safety until the TECT Rescue from Tauranga arrived.
The Tauranga boat had better capabilities to tow the boat back to Tauranga and it was towed to safety into the Sulphur Point marina about 2pm.