One rescued from up turned boat - Dog Island

At 5.40pm on Wednesday 5 May Police were notified by Bluff Marine Radio that a fishing vessel had found an upturned boat north of Dog Island where one male was rescued and transported to Bluff by a Southport vessel Takatimu. He is currently in Southland Hospital for observation.

A second male who was on this upturned boat was missing and a search was commenced at 5.45pm with Riverton and Bluff Coastguard crews, five fishing vessels and two helicopters deployed.

At 8.50pm a male body was located by the search vessels near Dog Island. The body has been recovered and the matter has been referred to the coroner. Next of kin are currently being advised