Kaikoura, New Zealand—Mayor Craig Mackle told AFP that there were “indications” the boat had collided with a whale, however police would not comment on that possibility as their investigation continued.
A boat that capsized in calm waters off of New Zealand's South Island has left five dead and six others injured.
The boat had 11 people on board, mostly from a bird-watching group, when it flipped over in calm waters near Goose Bay, about 15 km south of Kaikoura, according to local officials.
A rescue operation that spanned nearly seven hours ended when a police dive squad recovered five bodies from inside the vessel. Six people were rescued, having suffered minor injuries, and are expected to recover from their injuries.
Media reports said the skipper of the boat had survived.
Kaikoura, New Zealand—Mayor Craig Mackle told AFP that there were “indications” the boat had collided with a whale, however police would not comment on that possibility as their investigation continued.
“The information we have at the moment is that it appears to be a collision,” Kaikoura Police Sergeant Matt Boyce told a press conference. “With what, we don’t know at this stage.”
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.
“Humpback whales are coming through at the moment and we have sperm whales that are resident.”
Kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, thanks to its abundance of wildlife and the premier whale-watching experience.
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