Three of the victims of the Fox Glacier helicopter tragedy have been recovered from the crash site and taken to a temporary mortuary facility nearby for formal identification, which may take a number of days.
Meanwhile, weather conditions at Fox Glacier have deteriorated and the recovery operation has been halted for the day.
More details of today’s operation will be released as they become available.
NOTE: Details of the Australian victims of the crash have been amended on the media release timed at 1.06pm today.
The name of Mr Sovannmony LEANG was incorrectly listed as Leang SOVANNMONY. He and Josephine GIBSON were residents of New South Wales, not South Australia as previously stated.
New Zealand Police regrets any distress or confusion caused.