Fisherman who fell overboard named by police

Edward Ernest Brandon has been described as a "top man". Photo / Supplied

The fisherman killed when he fell overboard off the Canterbury coast yesterday has been named by police.

Edward Ernest Brandon, 59, died when he fell overboard from the Ida Marion, a commercial fishing vessel owned by the Lyttleton Fishing Company, at about 3.20pm yesterday, police said.

The Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopter recovered the man's body 9km off Kaitorete Spit, south of the peninsula, shortly afterwards.

Mr had been fishing alone with his wife, who said in a statement today that her husband "loved the sea" and spent many years working out of Lyttleton as a commercial fisherman without incident.

"His family and friends are shocked at this tragic loss and ask for privacy while we come to terms with living without him," the statement said.

Lyttleton Fishing Company director Dick Brown said Mr Brandon was a very experienced fisherman and "quite simply a top man".

"He first came to sea with me in 1975 and has been the skipper of the Ida Marion, without incident, for a very long time. Over the years Eddie's family have become part of our family too and on behalf of all of his colleagues I'd like to offer our condolences and support to Eddies family at this very sad time."

"We would like to thank everyone for their support and the Police, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Maritime New Zealand for their quick response."

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy were ongoing.

The death has been referred to the coroner.

- nzherald.co.nz