Five people died on Saturday as a boat flipped over in the deep waters in New Zealand’s South Island after colliding with a big whale.
The boat carrying 11 people mostly from a bird-watching group overturned in calm waters at Goose Bay, 15 kilometres south of Kaikoura.
A rescue operation ended when a police dive squad recovered five bodies from inside the vessel. Six people were rescued with minor injuries.
Earlier, images on social media showed survivors seeking help on the upturned hull of the 8.5-metre boat.
Kaikoura mayor Craig Mackle said there were “indications” the boat had collided with a whale.
“The information we have at the moment is it appears to be a collision,” Kaikoura Police Sergeant Matt Boyce told a press conference.
“This is an unprecedented event that has occurred, involving significant response from emergency services and members of the public.”
Mackle was perplexed at how the boat had capsized in what he said were “flat, perfect” conditions, and confirmed it was a time of year when whales were prevalent off Kaikoura’s coast.
Kaikoura is a popular tourist attraction because of its abundant wildlife and boasts the country’s premier whale-watching experience.
