One dead after raft overturns on Shotover River

One person is dead after a raft overturned on the Shotover River near Queenstown this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Skippers Canyon, a remote area north of Queenstown, shortly after 4pm this afternoon.

A police spokesman, at the National Police Headquarters in Wellington, told the Otago Daily Times one person had died.

Another person was treated by paramedics.

Emergency services were told that a raft had flipped.

Maritime NZ, Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission had all been advised of the incident.

Skippers Canyon is at the head of the Shotover River, a famous destination for thrill-seeking tourists wanting to try bungee jumping and jet boats.

Staff in the offices of tour operators Skippers Canyon Jet and Canyon Swing said they were aware that an emergency response was underway but did not have further details.

The incident is the second rafting accident to take place on the river this year.

With NZME

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