A 10-year-old girl has died after being swept down the Marian Creek near Hollyford River in Fiordland National Park today.
Southland area commander Inspector Mike Bowman said emergency services were alerted about 11.40am after the girl, who was with family on holiday from Australia, fell into the fast-flowing creek.
The girl was located and removed from the water a short time later.
CPR was performed and a doctor was flown to the scene.
“Sadly, however, she was unable to be revived. This has been a traumatic event for those involved and police are providing whānau with support,” said Bowman.
“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to them. Police would like to thank all those involved, in particular the members of the public who assisted in locating and providing assistance to the young girl.”
Police will be preparing a report for the coroner, and at this time no further details are available.
Southland District Mayor Rob Scott said his sympathies went out the family and those involved in the rescue.
“It’s not a good outcome for anyone, really. It’s very sad and tragic.”
Southland District Councillor and Fiordland Community Board appointee Sarah Greaney said she was unaware of the details of the incident, but her heart went out to the family of the little girl.
“Incidents like this are always devastating, not only for families, but for for our community as well. We’re a very tight-knit community, and things like this have an impact on everybody when they happen,” she said.
Hollyford River is described by NZ Fishing as being “off the beaten track”. The terrain is rugged and remote.
The group described the upper reaches of the river as rough.
The “very, very cold” water can appear shallow and sedate below Hidden Falls, but is often much deeper and more powerful than it seems, NZ Fishing said.
The vehicle was damaged while later being towed and an $11k claim by the owner followed.