Tourist injured by boat propeller to return home

The Australian woman who was badly injured by a boat propeller in the Marlborough Sounds last year is finally being transferred from Wellington Hospital to a hospital in Adelaide.

Catherine Carlyle, 49, suffered deep cuts and fractures to her legs after she hopped off the back of a Dolphin Watch Ecotours boat to go for a swim and was struck by the winding down propeller in Waikawa Bay, Picton, on December 10.

Today she said she was being moved back to a hospital in her home town of Adelaide where she will undergo further treatment.

"After sustaining such serious injuries to both my legs my recovery has gone well so far. While there is still a long road to recovery ahead I have a positive attitude and remain confident as I see steady improvements," Ms Carlyle said.

"My husband Clive and I would both like to say how much we have appreciated the treatment and great care we have received from Wellington Hospital's doctors and nurses. That, combined with all support from well wishers both in New Zealand and in Australia who have said we are in their thoughts and prayers, has been a huge comfort to us and kept our spirits up."

Ms Carlyle was in the country for a family reunion to celebrate the 80th birthdays of an aunt and uncle.

- NZPA