Ferry passenger falls into Foveaux Strait

Foveaux Strait. File Photo / Simon Baker

Hopes are fading for a man missing in frigid Foveaux Strait waters after he went overboard off the Stewart Island ferry today.

Senior Sergeant Dave Raynes, of Invercargill police, told NZPA the search for the man had been called off for the night.

The chances of finding him alive were now "slim", Mr Raynes said.

Earlier this evening police, two helicopters, one of which was equipped with night vision equipment, Coast Guard and search and rescue were involved in the search but found no sign of him.

The man was reported missing about 6pm after he failed to disembark when the ferry reached Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island, he said.

"He was seen on board the boat halfway across and he never arrived at the other end."

Police had kept in contact with the family of the man but were not releasing his identity at this stage

The search would resume tomorrow morning depending on conditions in the strait, Mr Raynes said.

The interisland ferry runs between Bluff and Oban on Stewart Island.

- NZPA