Snorkeller stable after near-drowning

A Wanganui man who almost drowned while snorkelling in the Marlborough Sounds yesterday is in a stable condition in Wellington Hospital.

The 40-year-old swallowed water and passed out in the Outer Sounds about 5.20pm and was dragged back on to a boat by friends.

The party called emergency services and headed to Ship Cove where the boat was met by the Westpac rescue helicopter.

The man was then flown to Wellington Hospital.

- NZPA