Transport Investigators Head to Bluff After Crew Member Goes Overboard

A crew member remains missing after being swept overboard from a fishing vessel operating hundreds of kilometres south of New Zealand two days ago.

The incident happened at 10.40pm on April 5 aboard the Amaltal Mariner while the crew was deploying fishing gear in the South Pacific Ocean, about 215 nautical miles east of the Auckland Islands.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said the crew member was knocked overboard by a float during the fishing operation.

"Immediate efforts did not locate the missing crew member and at time of opening this inquiry they remained unaccounted for," TAIC said in a statement.

Chief investigator Louise Cook confirmed TAIC is sending a team of investigators to Bluff to gather evidence and interview the vessel's crew and officials.

"Our initial focus is on evidence that could disappear or change – including recollections that are fresh in people's minds," she said.

"We're also interested in the onboard fishing operation, individual design, history, performance, maintenance, and equipment of this vessel."

The Amaltal Mariner was operating in remote waters when the accident occurred, making immediate rescue efforts challenging.

TAIC's investigation will examine all aspects of the vessel's operations and safety procedures to determine what led to the crew member being knocked overboard.

The fishing industry operates in some of New Zealand's most dangerous working conditions, with vessels often working far from shore in rough seas.

Investigators will focus on gathering time-sensitive evidence while crew members' memories of the incident remain fresh. They will also examine the vessel's equipment, maintenance records, and safety procedures.

The investigation comes as the fishing industry continues to face scrutiny over workplace safety standards, particularly for vessels operating in New Zealand's challenging southern waters.

TAIC's findings will be crucial in determining whether equipment failure, procedural issues, or other factors contributed to the crew member going overboard.

The commission's investigation is ongoing, with teams expected to conduct thorough interviews with all crew members and examine the vessel's condition and safety equipment in Bluff.