An old ship previously described as a "cultural icon" has sunk in Wellington Harbour.
The Sea Lion - a World War II ship - had been in the harbour since 1945 and moored at the end of Queen's Wharf for nearly 20 years.
"Unfortunately, overnight it has sunk," AM reporter Tia McDougall said.
"It's not exactly clear how it sunk but no doubt the age and the rough seas overnight were factors."
Swell warnings were in place for the Wellington region overnight while strong wind warnings remained.
A Stuff report earlier this year said the Sea Lion had long been classified as "unseaworthy" and had been taking on water for a significant amount of time.
In 2021, the Wellington City Council proposed that the boat be towed from Queen's Wharf.
