A person has been found dead after falling from a fishing vessel off the coast of Napier early today.
The coastguard, a rescue helicopter and emergency services were called to the incident about 3.45am, Napier Coastguard skipper Neil Daykin said.
A person's body was discovered by the Coastguard air patrol about 8.30am.
"It directed a coastguard rescue vessel and other vessels to a person and unfortunately they've been found deceased,'' Mr Daykin said.
No details have yet been released about the person.
Earlier The Herald reported that a fisherman has fallen overboard and is missing off the coast of Napier.
A rescue operation is underway in Napier Port, where the man fell overboard from a fishing vessel early this morning.
The Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter was called in to carry out an aerial search of the harbour entrance and bay area, along with the Coastguard and other vessels.
However, nobody was found and the helicopter returned to base, a spokeswoman said
- APNZ