(Reuters) – Five people were killed when a boat carrying 11 people in New Zealand capsized off the coast of Kaikoura, a South Island coastal town on Saturday, police said.
Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported that Kaikoura Mayor Craig Mackle believes the boat was capsized by a whale. However, the police did not confirm the reason.
“This is a tragic event that has affected many lives, especially those of all families and loved ones,” Mackle said at a press conference, according to RNZ. said. “We have closed the port so that they can continue to operate,” he said.
Kaikoura Police Sergeant Matt Boyce said in a statement that the exact circumstances of the incident would be subject to an investigation that would involve multiple agencies.
Police are working to officially identify the victims and no names have been released so far. According to police, six survivors were taken to Kaikoura Health Center and one was transferred to Christchurch Hospital as a precaution.
(Reporting by Maria Ponnezhath in Bengaluru and Praveen Menon)
(Translation by the Brazilian Office, 55 11 5047-2695); REUTERS BC)
source: Noticias
