Two people have been found unconscious inside a ship’s tank at Lyttelton Port this morning.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at 9.41am. Lyttelton and Christchurch fire crew rescued both individuals from the tank.

A police spokesperson confirmed to chrislynchmedia.com the two people were discovered unconscious in a tank aboard the ship.

A St John spokesperson said they were notified of a chemical incident on Godley Quay at 9.42am. Four ambulances, two rapid response units, and two operations managers were sent to the scene.

A total of four patients have been transported by ambulance to Christchurch Hospital, with three in serious condition and one in a moderate condition, the St John spokesman said.

A Lyttelton Port Company spokesperson said the incident took place aboard a vessel in the dry dock.

“Emergency services were on the scene and responded. No LPC staff were involved. Maritime NZ is investigating,” the spokesperson said.

Maritime NZ told chrislynchmedia.com  “We are aware an incident that occurred at Lyttelton Port Company this morning. We have staff onsite at the scene, and they are working to understand what has occurred.”