Tourist pops question at underwater frigate wreck

An English tourist has popped the question to his girlfriend 10m under water on the wreck of a frigate off Wellington's south coast.

Tim Mills and Elizabeth Coon were diving the wreck of the sunken frigate Wellington on Saturday when Mr Mills decided the time was right, the Dominion Post newspaper reported today.

In time-honoured diving fashion, Ms Coon gave the "okay" signal after Mr Mills went down on bended knee and professed his love with a scallop shell.

The newly engaged couple have been together for eight years and in Wellington since February.

The old ship was sunk in November as a diving attraction and was reopened last month to divers after storm damage raised concerns about its safety.

- NZPA