Kiwi 'recovering' after Brisbane siege

New Zealand veteran Nicholas Williams was held up on his yacht at the main ferry terminal in Brisbane, sparking a stand-off with SERT police. Photo / Courier Mail

BRISBANE - The man at the centre of the 16-hour siege on the Brisbane River is recovering from surgery after stabbing himself at the end of the standoff last night.

The 54-year-old New Zealander, named by Brisbane's Courier Mail as Nicholas Williams, sparked the day-long drama after calling police at 5am threatening self-harm.

A 100-metre exclusion zone was set up and the pier, riverside ferry terminals, Eagle Street city area and Brisbane River between Holman and Thornton streets were all shut, causing disruption.

Police and emergency services surrounded the area, attempting to negotiate with the man.

He was later seen armed with a bayonet and using fuel to douse his yacht and a Brisbane City Council cross-river ferry, moored next to him at the busy city pier.

At about 9pm (AEST) he set fire to the yacht, before jumping into the water.

He was fished out by police and taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital.

Police have confirmed he had suffered self-inflicted bayonet wounds to the chest and stomach.

A hospital spokesman said Williams had undergone surgery overnight and was in a stable condition.

Police are waiting to question Williams on Tuesday and are yet to lay charges.

Police Ethical Standards Command will review officers' handling of the incident.

Ferry services on Brisbane River have resumed on Tuesday morning.

- AAP