2 Tourists die at Franz Josef

At approximately 9:30 pm on Friday the 9th December 2011 four tourists were on a walk near Franz Josef Glacier.

They have gone off the walking track in the dark and tried to cross the Waiho River on foot.

2 of the group have been swept off their feet and washed down stream.

The remaining members of the party have walked out and raised the alarm.

A search commenced involving Search and Rescue volunteers, police and the Solid Energy Rescue helicopter.

The rescue helicopter has located a body in the Waiho River and within a short time a second body was also located.

The deceased are a 20 year old female from China and 23 year old female from Malaysia.

The matter is being referred to the coroner

No further details are being released until the next of kin have been notified.