Fisherman critical after falling into ship's hold

A Korean fisherman is in a critical condition in hospital after falling into the hold of a ship docked at Bluff on Wednesday night.

Emergency services were called after a crew member on the Korean fishing trawler Pantas No 1, fell 12m into the ship's hold about 7.30pm, the Southland Times reported.

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) spokesman Ross Henderson said the man suffered critical injuries and was understood to be on life support in Southland Hospital.

Neither police nor MNZ could confirm the man's age yesterday.

Both MNZ and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission have launched investigations into the circumstances of the accident.

The ship would remain in Bluff in the meantime, Mr Henderson said.

- NZPA