Waikato Regional Council maritime officers are working to secure a 13 metre aluminium boat which caught fire near Centre Island in Mercury Bay

The skipper discovered flames in the engine bay and deployed a life raft before being picked up by nearby recreational fishers about 2.30 this afternoon.

The harbourmaster has set up an exclusion zone around the boat, which has holes in the side of the hull but remains afloat.

Any environmental impacts will be monitored.

The skipper's set to work with his insurer to arrange salvage.