13 September 2022
Five people have died in a boating accident off the coast New Zealand’s South Island after thier boat was reportedly tipped over by a whale.
The private charter boat was carrying a group of birdwatchers. Six others including the boat captain were rescued.
“We have an upturned boat tipped over by a whale from what we can understand, came up from underneath.”
“This is an unprecedented event that has involved a significant response from emergency services,” Kaikōura Police Sergeant Matt Boyce said.
“We are still in the very early stages of piecing together what has occurred. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident will be subject to an extensive investigation, which will involve multiple agencies.”
