A rescue is under way off the coast of Banks Peninsula. Photo / Supplied
A seriously injured 33-year-old man has been airlifted off a vessel off the coast of Christchurch.
A safety locator beacon was activated off Banks Peninsula just before 2pm today, 22 to 24 nautical miles from Lyttelton Harbour.
The Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopter was sent with extra fuel on board to search for the vessel.
The NZ Herald understands that the man was winched off a commercial fishing boat five nautical miles from Okains Bay with serious to moderate injuries.
He was transported to Christchurch Hospital.
Armed police stood guard as the patched members were led out in handcuffs.