Fatal fall on Whale Island during guided tour sparks Worksafe Investigation

Monday, 8 April 2019

The tourist fell while on a tour of Moutohora Island. (File photo)

An investigation has been launched after a tourist died on a guided tour of Moutohora (Whale) Island, in the Bay of Plenty, on April 4.

On Thursday April 4 a 73-year-old man on a trip with White Island Tours fell about seven metres onto volcanic rock, suffering serious injuries.

The TECT Resuce Helicopter was dispatched to Whale Island after a tourist fell six metres onto volcanic rock.

First aid was given as the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter headed to the scene.

Crew unloaded a paramedic to assist then winched the injured man aboard and flew him to Tauranga Hospital

Chairman of Ngati Awa Group Holdings Paul Quinn, which owns White Island Tours, said they are saddened by the accident.

'We send our thoughts and aroha to the deceased's whanau,' he said.

'We are looking to see what support we can provide to them at this very difficult time'

WorkSafe and the Department of Conservation confirmed investigations are underway and all tour operations to the island have been suspended.

'Until the Worksafe and DOC investigations are complete, we are unfortunately not able to make any further public comment on the incident,' Quinn said.

Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious but an investigation is underway on behalf of the Coroner.