KEY POINTS:
The body of a sailor who was killed at sea has been returned to the Navy's marae.
Byron James Solomon, 22, a navy officer since January 2005, was lying in state at Te Taua Moana Marae in Devonport.
Mr Solomon was with three others in an inflatable boat beside the HMNZS Canterbury, in Spirits Bay, when the small boat capsized. The accident happened when a wire stabilising the boat snapped, tipping it into the sea. Mr Solomon was caught under the boat, possibly trapped by his inflated lifejacket.
A Navy court of inquiry will investigate. Police will conduct a separate investigation.
