A person is dead after what is believed to be a diving accident in Hinahina, The Catlins, today.
Emergency services were called to a water rescue near Jacks Bay Rd about 1pm.
A witness who saw the event unfold said a group was snorkelling off the shore of Tuhawaiki Island when one person appeared to need medical attention.
Emergency services arrived and went over to the island by boat and performed CPR on the person for more than 45 minutes.
The person had to be moved as the tide came in.