One dead after boat sinks in Southland

One man died after the boat he and two companions were in sank in a remote area of northern Southland. Photo / Thinkstock

A young Invercargill man died yesterday after a boat sank in a remote area of Northern Southland, but his two companions were safe and well after one swam ashore and raised the alarm.

The victim was Jason Burford (19), of Invercargill.

The two other men were also from Southland, and of similar age, police said.

The 4.5m private boat sank in North Lake Mavora about 12.30pm with the three people on board, Senior Sergeant John Pine, of Invercargill, said.

It is understood they had been on a fishing and hunting trip in the area.

It is believed to have taken a couple of hours for the alarm to be raised after one of the boat's occupants managed to swim ashore and went for help, as his two companions were missing.

However, a second person had also made it to shore and a third person was found dead.

Snr Sgt Pine said a search and rescue operation was launched using a Southern Lakes helicopter and boats on the lake.

Search and Rescue personnel came from Te Anau, with further support provided by police highway patrol officers.

Sen Sgt Pine said given the circumstances, including cold lake water conditions, it was fortunate there had not been further loss of life.

More details, including about safety equipment carried on the boat and how the initial alert was notified, were not immediately available last night.

Police were continuing inquiries and would be investigating on behalf of the coroner, he said.

The Mavora Lakes are accessed from State Highway 94 between Te Anau and Mossburn. There are two lakes, the north, which is a popular boating lake, and the south.

The lakes are part of Te Wahipounamu/southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area.