Incident on the lake
Police have confirmed that one man has died and another remains in recovery after a boating incident on Lake Manapouri late Sunday evening.
According to Southland Area Commander, Inspector Mike Bowman, authorities were alerted around 7:20pm on Sunday (20 July) after two experienced fishers failed to return from a trip on the lake. The pair had also not made routine contact via marine radio, prompting immediate concern among locals.
Search and discovery
Marine channels were monitored and local aerial assets were brought in to assist. A helicopter was deployed, and after an extensive night search, the missing vessel was located around 12:30am in Safe Cove, near the western arms of the lake.
The helicopter crew found the two men still aboard the vessel. One was tragically deceased. The other, although seriously injured, was promptly transported for treatment and is understood to be recovering well in hospital.
Police investigation underway
Inspector Bowman confirmed that police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including what may have transpired aboard the vessel prior to its discovery.
“Enquiries will be made by Police on behalf of the Coroner in relation to the deceased,” he said in a statement. “Police’s sincere condolences go out to their family and loved ones.”
Boating New Zealand extends its sympathies to the families involved and acknowledges the work of the search teams, hospital staff, and Police involved in the overnight response.
