Investigation into wharf workplace death

Police, Maritime New Zealand and the Department of Labour are investigating the death of a man at Lyttelton wharf near Christchurch last night.

Police said the 55-year-old Lyttelton Port Authority employee died in a workplace accident at Cashin Quay at about 8pm.

Lyttelton police Sergeant Phil Newton said the incident occurred while a coal ship, Devprayag, was being moored at Cashin Quay.

A Maritime New Zealand spokeswoman said the incident which involved a rope happened as the man was standing on the wharf as the ship was leaving.

The coal ship was still in port today.

- NZPA