Police name New Plymouth man killed in workplace accident on fishing vessel

The fatal accident on board the New Zealand-registered factory fishing vessel San Granit occurred about 90km east of Banks Peninsula about 4am yesterday morning. Photo / Sanford

The man who died in a workplace accident on a fishing boat yesterday morning has been named as Steffan Antony Stewart.

Stewart, 26, of New Plymouth, was killed when the New Zealand-registered factory fishing vessel San Granit was working off the coast of Banks Peninsula at about 4am.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the fatal accident.

The chief investigator of accidents, Captain Tim Burfoot, said the Rescue Coordination Centre notified the Commission early yesterday morning about the accident.

"Circumstances reported to date are that a crew member was fatally injured on the factory deck of the vessel," Burfoot said.

The San Granit is a $25 million ship that joined Sanford's Timaru-based fishing fleet in 2016.

"We are sad to advise the tragic death of one of our crew members on our deepwater factory vessel, the San Granit," a Sanford spokesperson said yesterday.

"Our thoughts are with the family, friends and workmates of our team member as they are dealing with this terrible incident.

"As of now, we are unable to provide more detail about this situation, as the facts are still being established and we need to allow the relevant authorities to do their work.

"The family has been advised and we are offering every support that we can."

Police said their thoughts go out to the family of Stewart at this sad time.

They continue to work with TAIC and the matter will be referred to the Coroner.

The Commission opens an inquiry when it believes the circumstances of an accident or incident have - or are likely to have - significant implications for transport safety, or when the inquiry may allow the Commission to make findings or recommendations to improve transport safety.