The RealNZ tourist vessel, The Fiordland Navigator, broadcast a mayday call after running aground in Doubtful Sound at 6.15pm this afternoon (24 Jan).

The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow. It has a capacity to sleep 72 people and is used, along with its sister vessel the Milford Wanderer, for overnight cruises on Doubtful and Milford Sounds.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Paul Norris said the boat's captain notified the company and made the mayday call which subsequently alerted emergency response organisations.

Norris said the vessel was carrying 57 guests and 10 crew at the time of the incident.

A minor injury was checked by medical staff, and all guests are returning to Te Anau safe and well, he said.

"Our focus is on supporting our guests and crew at this time," Norris said.

A spokesperson from the lead agency, Maritime NZ, said eleven crew had remained on the boat to ensure it was kept safe and to assess damage.

The boat was successfully refloated at around 8.30pm on the incoming tide, they said.

RealNZ thereafter made an assessment that it was safe to travel to the boat's berth.

The spokesperson said Maritime NZ had kept in regular contact with the operator, monitoring and advising as necessary to ensure the situation was being managed appropiately.

They have now launched an investigation into the incident.

An Environment Southland spokesperson said the vessel had incurred a little bit of damage to the front of it, but that there were no leaks or threats to the environment.