NZ woman dies during Fiji honeymoon

A New Zealand couple's honeymoon in Fiji turned to tragedy when the wife died after being hit by the propeller of a boat while snorkelling.

Fiji police say the 26-year-old woman and her husband arrived on Matamanoa Island last Thursday and were snorkelling the following day when the accident happened.

According to police the couple had married a week ago.

The 6m aluminium boat, powered by a 20 horsepower engine, was being operated by a casual hotel worker, when it accidentally hit the woman causing severe head injuries.

The victim and her husband were airlifted to Lautoka hospital but the woman was pronounced dead on arrival.

Arrangements were being made to fly the body back to New Zealand.

Fiji police have not named the woman.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) spokeswoman said the New Zealand High Commission in Fiji was providing support to the woman's family.

- NZPA