Agencies study dolphin-swim death

A 27-year-old woman died during a dolphin encounter in the Marlborough Sounds. File photo / Mark Mitchell

Authorities are considering whether to investigate more closely the death of an American tourist on a guided trip to swim with dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds.

The 27-year-old woman was found floating face down in Tory Channel on Monday, and desperate attempts to resuscitate her failed.

The cause of her death is still to be determined, but it is thought she may have suffered a medical problem or simply drowned.

The woman's partner and his mother were among others on the trip led by Dolphin Watch Ecotours. The firm has ruled out the possibility that she was struck and injured by a boat or dolphin.

An autopsy was due to be done yesterday, but no results were available to the Herald.

Police are still interviewing witnesses to try to determine what happened.

A Department of Labour spokesman yesterday confirmed it was looking into what occurred, to see if there were issues around health and safety which needed to be examined in more detail.

Maritime New Zealand is also assessing whether the incident warrants a full investigation.

Dolphin Watch Ecotours directors Dan and Amy Engelhaupt said they were unable to shed any more light on what took place while investigations were underway, but stood by its efforts in the situation.

The company has ceased operations until tomorrow to allow its staff time to recover.