King Kong crew were forced to abandon ship when the boat being used to film scenes off the Kapiti Coast sprang a leak and began to take on water yesterday. Venture II, the boat bought by director Peter Jackson for use in the film, got into difficulty when the engine room flooded. Those on board had to be transferred to a support boat – and were later left on nearby Kapiti Island – as emergency repairs were carried out. Maritime Safety Authority spokeswoman Heidi Brook confirmed it was investigating the incident, which happened about 8am. The authority had received a report from the boat's crew. [More]