Police have released the name of a man who died during a jet-boating incident on the Waimakariri River in North Canterbury yesterday [Sunday 23 April].
He was Leslie Grant Stirling, aged 44, of Christchurch.
Senior Sergeant Mike McRandle of Rangiora Police says Mr Stirling had gone into the Waimakariri on Sunday morning with his brother at Woodstock, upstream from Oxford.
"During the afternoon it appears the boat has become stuck in shallower water and it has taken the two men some time to free the boat," he says.
"At some point the boat has come free and travelled downstream, with just Mr Stirling inside it.
"His brother lost sight of the boat but subsequently heard noises from downstream. When he found the boat a short time later it was upside down and Mr Stirling was trapped inside.
"Mr Stirling's brother was able to free him after about 10 minutes, and attempted to resuscitate him."
Emergency services were contacted at around 7.55pm. St John ambulance attended but Mr Stirling was pronounced dead at the scene.
Maritime New Zealand are assisting with investigations into the incident.
ENDS