A person remains unaccounted for two days after being knocked overboard by equipment on a fishing vessel hundreds of kilometres south of New Zealand.
The incident occurred at about 10.40pm on April 5 aboard the Amaltal Mariner, while the vessel was deploying fishing gear.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said the crew member was knocked overboard by a float during the operation.
"Immediate efforts did not locate the missing crew member and at time of opening this inquiry they remained unaccounted for," a statement read.
The vessel was reportedly operating in the South Pacific Ocean around 215 nautical miles east of the Auckland Islands at the time.
Chief investigator of accidents Louise Cook said TAIC was sending a team of investigators to Bluff to gather evidence and interview the vessel's crew and officials.
"Our initial focus is on evidence that could disappear or change – including recollections that are fresh in people’s minds," she said.
"We’re also interested in the onboard fishing operation, individual design, history, performance, maintenance, and equipment of this vessel."
SHARE ME