Man swept to sea at Cape Saunders

At approximately 11.19am on Monday the 5th of April 2010 emergency services were notified that a person had been swept off rocks at Cape Saunders on the Otago Peninsula.

Marine Search and Rescue and the Rescue Co-ordination Centre were alerted. The Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter was dispatched with two members of the Dunedin Water Rescue Squad on board. At the same time the Dunedin Coastguard vessel was launched along with a local fishing boat.

At approximately 12.10pm the body of a 51 year old Korean male was recovered from the water by the water rescue squad.

It is understood the man had been preparing to fish off the rocks below the Cape Saunders Lighthouse when a large wave swept him into the water. Members of the deceased's family were at the scene and were being supported by Police staff with victim support also providing assistance.

The weather at the time was fine however the sea was described as "sloppy". The area is a reasonably popular fishing spot but is also known for freak waves.

No further details of the deceased are available at this time until next of kin have been notified.