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Crew members aboard a fishing vessel mounted a desperate rescue effort after one of their own was knocked into the ocean in remote southern waters.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said the person fell overboard from the New Zealand-flagged trawler Mariner on Sunday night, about 400km east of theAuckland Islands.
The person remains unaccounted for despite efforts to locate them.
The Auckland Islands lie about 465km south of Bluff and are the largest of New Zealand’s subantarctic islands.
The TAIC said the incident occurred about 10.40pm as fishing gear was being deployed.
The vessel’s operator, Dante Fishing, said in a statement that crew members had made an effort to save their colleague.
“The company wants to acknowledge the tragic event aboard the Mariner on Sunday night and commends the crew in acting professionally in attempting to rescue the crew member,” it said.
“Heartfelt thanks is also given to the crew of the other fishing vessel, which aided in the search for the crew member throughout the night, though ultimately these efforts were unsuccessful in recovering them.”
Maritime New Zealand said the on-water search involved two vessels, including the commercial fishing boat involved.
“In co-ordinating the search, RCCNZ [Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand] issued mayday relays and provided drift modelling.
“The drift modelling was used to guide search efforts.”
Maritime New Zealand confirmed it would investigate the incident.
“Our thoughts go out to the crew member’s family and the crew of the vessel.
“We also want to thank those involved in the search.”
Police said they were in the early stages of making inquiries to piece together what had happened.
A person was knocked overboard a New Zealand fishing boat about 400km east of the Auckland Islands.
TAIC’s chief investigator of accidents Louise Cook said investigators would travel to Bluff to gather evidence and interview the vessel’s crew and officials.
“Our initial focus is on evidence that could disappear or change, including recollections that are fresh in people’s minds,” Cook said.
Investigators will also examine the vessel’s fishing operation, as well as the design, history, performance, maintenance and equipment on board, Cook said.
The commission said its investigations are focused on improving transport safety and “avoiding repeat accidents”, rather than assigning blame.
Dante Fishing said it had notified the crew member’s next of kin and was providing regular updates, while also offering support to those on board.
“Similarly, the wellbeing of the crew is paramount and steps have been taken to provide pastoral care and associated support.”
The company said it would not comment further while investigations were ongoing, but remained committed to ensuring a safe workplace and reviewing any lessons from the incident.
Jazlyn Whales is a multimedia journalist based in the Christchurch newsroom.
