Man dies after diving incident near Owaka Heads, Catlins
Sunday, 27 December 2020
A young man has died following a diving incident near Owaka Heads, Hinahina, in south Otago.
Police were called about 12pm on Sunday after the diver became separated from others in his party.
**READ MORE:
* Councils' freedom camping service curbs bad behavior in Catlins
* Dead Doubtful Sound diver named
* Free diver's body found near Titi Island in the Marlborough Sounds
**
A search was initiated and the man was found about 1.40pm.
Police said sadly he was not able to be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Owaka police officer Murray Hewitson said the diver was a 23-year-old man.
“He has connections to the area, but doesn’t live here.”
He said the man was out free diving with a family member, when he “seemed to have come into strife”.
It is believed he drowned.
Police will not be identifying the diver until all of his family have been notified, Hewitson said.
The death will be referred to the Coroner.