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Police have named the man whose body was found at sea early today, after a search for a missing inflatable boat was launched last night off the coast near Lyttelton port.
The search continues for a second man who was aboard the boat.
A helicopter using night vision search equipment located the body of Jody Dallas Campbell, a 29-year-old who had been living in Christchurch, about 3.30am.
Inspector Michael Coulter of Southern Police Communications said 10 Coastguard boats were currently scouring the area extending from the Waimakariri River to Godley Head and Little Akaroa, to about 20km from shore in search of the second man.
The weather was improving and it was likely that a fixed wing aircraft search would resume this afternoon, Mr Coulter said.
The search began for the two men, who were working on a sewerage outfall pipe in a six metre inflatable boat, when they failed to turn up at Lyttelton port as scheduled yesterday.
General manager for McConnell Dowell, the company contracted to construct the Ocean Outfall pipeline, Roger McRae said the two men had been going out to carry out a crew change about 6pm.
"They decided to abort the crew change because of the sea conditions, and so returned to Lyttelton," Mr McRae said.
"When they hadn't arrived, at around 7.30, another boat went to look for them. When that was unsuccessful, our understanding is, the Search and Rescue people were notified."
Mr McRae said it was normal for people to be working out at sea around the clock when sea conditions were suitable.
"When the sea conditions are not, it is normal to bring the dredge back into port."
During a spell of high winds yesterday, Mr McRae said a dredge had been brought back into Lyttelton.
However, he said he had no details about whether or not it was safe for the men to be going out for the crew change last night.
"We don't have any factual details on the sea conditions and we're just looking to assemble that information at the moment."
Relieving harbour master Geoff Swallow said yesterday's sea conditions in the area were difficult.
"There had been a strong westerly wind all day, a gale warning, and there had been quite a heavy sea," Mr Swallow said.
"I think there had been work going on out there which they had abandoned in the afternoon because of the wind."
The incident follows other mishaps involving the pipeline project.
In December, a man, who was working on a tug being used to stabilise a barge which was laying sewage pipes, lost his leg when a steel cable snapped.
In March this year a boat, returning from work on the project, capsized at Sumner flinging nine people into the water.
All were rescued but needed treatment for hypothermia.
- NZPA
