Fatal Boating Incident - Doubtful Sound

At about 8.45 am this morning a Department of Conservation boat working in Doubtful Sound area located a vessel floating near Blanket Bay. The approximately 6 metre vessel had clearly suffered damage from some form of collision, and on board were two male occupants. One was already deceased and one seriously injured.

Police co-ordinated a response along with St Johns Ambulance. An attending helicopter met with the Department of Conservation vessel at Blanket Bay. The injured male was airlifted to Kew Hospital, Invercargill. He is reported to be in a serious condition. A second helicopter ferried Police to the scene and
Police have recovered the body of a 33 year old male.

The full circumstances of the incident are under investigation. It is not yet clear exactly what has led to the vessel floating in the manner it was found. There is substantial damage to the alloy vessel.

Maritime NZ and the Southern Coroner have been advised.

The name of the deceased male has not been released until next of kin have been advised.