Dog rescued from sinking yacht in Cass Bay

A dog has been rescued after a yacht sunk on its mooring near Lyttelton during a storm overnight.

The 12.5m yacht sunk in Cass Bay.

Environment Canterbury said a blue heeler dog named Buddy was onboard and has been safely returned to his owner.

There is diesel and other oils onboard, but the council said "no significant loss" of oil or fluid had been observed.

"Debris has been observed in the surrounding bays and will be collected by our staff today, as possible."

Anyone who finds debris is asked not to touch it and to call 0800 765 588.

MetService recorded close to 100mm of rain in the Banks Peninsula area overnight, with wind gusts reaching 100km/h.