Father dead after falling from boat deck

The Capt M.J Souza which the 33-year-old man was working on when he fell and died. Photo / talleys.co.nz

A 33-year-old Nelson father has died after falling from the deck of the boat he was working on at Port Nelson this morning.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident about 10.15am where they found the man had fallen through the open hold of the Capt M.J Souza at Talley's wharf.

The victim's colleagues, skipper, police and St John paramedics attempted to revive him but he died at the scene.

Talleys deep sea fishing chief executive Tony Hazlett said the man was an experienced crew member of the ship, who had worked with the company for five years.

The incident happened when the man fell through a hatch on the ship that gave way, while he was carrying out engineering work.

His partner and children were receiving victim support, said Mr Hazlett.

"Our thoughts are with the families and workmates and we are going to do everything we can to support them.''

He was not aware of any previous similar incident.

Vessel Capt M.J Souza is part of Talleys deep sea fleet and is used to fish tuna, according to Talleys' website.

The vessel is based in the Western and Central Pacific for most of the year but during the summer months it returns New Zealand.