Fatal boat accident caused by rock collision - police

Doubtful Sound. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A 33-year-old man was killed and another seriously injured when their boat crashed into a rock near Blanket Bay in Doubtful Sound this morning, police believe.

The men were found about 8.45am in the damaged and floating 6m vessel by Department of Conservation staff working in the Fiordland National Park, Sergeant Tod Hollebon, of Te Anau police, said.

The incident appeared to have been a "pure accident", he said.

"It looks like the collision has been with a rock. There is no other vessel involved that we're aware of," he told Radio New Zealand.

It was not yet known when the accident happened but it was probably during the night, Mr Hollebon said.

"Obviously there has been a very, very heavy impact.

"Although it hasn't breached the integrity of the hull - the boat was still floating - there is severe impact on the front of the boat."

It appeared the men were injured when they were thrown into the dashboard area of the boat, he said.

The injured man was flown to Southland Hospital in Invercargill in a serious condition but was now stable.

Police this afternoon took away the away the body of the dead man.

Maritime New Zealand and the coroner had been advised of the accident.

The name of the dead man would be released once next of kin were told, Mr Hollebon said.

- NZPA