Police have released more details following the deaths of five people after the boat they were in capsized off Goose Bay, Kaikōura.

Shortly after 10am Saturday, the 8.5 metre vessel with 11 people onboard capsized. 

Kaikōura Police Sergeant Matt Boyce said a large-scale maritime search and rescue effort took place this afternoon.

“Devastatingly, five people lost their lives.”

Six others were taken to Kaikōura Health Centre to be assessed, one has been transferred to Christchurch Hospital as a precaution – all six are reported to be in a stable condition.

The Police National Dive Squad has now recovered the deceased and police are now in the process of notifying next of kin.

He said police will not be in a position to comment on the identities of the victims until formal identification has taken place.

“This is an unprecedented event that has involved a significant response from emergency services and members of the Kaikōura maritime community. 

Our thoughts are with everyone involved, including the victims and their families, their local communities, and emergency services personnel.”

Boyce said “police will continue to provide support to all those involved at this incredibly difficult time.

We are still in the very early stages of piecing together what has occurred.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident will be subject to an extensive investigation, which will involve multiple agencies.”

Helicopter Pilot describes the scene

South Pacific Helicopters CEO and Pilot Daniel Stevenson told Chris Lynch he was called to the scene just before 11AM, prior to the Coast Guard arriving.

“I arrived and the boat was upturned.

People had already been rescued from the upturned hull by a private boat, including who I believe was the skipper.”

“When I got there, there was just one person sitting there on the up-turned hull”

The man hand signaled to indicate there were still people missing.

It wasn’t very nice to see that’s for sure.”

Stevenson said another Coast Guard arrived and managed to rescue the man.

“They also put a diver in the water, and we were then dispatched back to Kaikoura to pick up another diver.

When we went to the scene, a Westpac Rescue machine from Wellington and from Christchurch had arrived.

They put divers in the water and we then hovered down over the boat and put our diver in the water.”

Stevenson said “it was a gorgeous day for boating. There was very little swell. It was what you would imagine it to be, the perfect day for a fishing trip.”

Maritime NZ said it had sent two investigators from Christchurch to Kaikoura.

“Any investigation activity will commence only after rescue/recovery operations have concluded.

We’ll be conducting a thorough investigation under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Maritime Transport Act and we’ll do everything we can to support NZ Police in their investigation.”