Southland Police can confirm a man was found in a submerged car that was recovered from the Mataura River.
Police were alerted to a scene on Holz Road yesterday afternoon where it was reported a vehicle had left the road and entered the water earlier in the day at 5.30am. Initial inquiries with the assistance of Marine SAR and the Coastguard were unable to confirm if anyone was still in the vehicle. As a result, the Police National Dive Squad were called to assist.
Just after 12pm today, 12 January 2016, Police Dive Team members entered the water and police can now confirm a single occupant was found deceased in the vehicle.
Police have also begun a serious crash investigation to determine how the vehicle came to be in the river and are unable to comment further while this investigation is ongoing.
Police are working with the family for the male and are providing assistance.
ENDS
Released by Detective Grant Johnstone, Invercargill CIB
Media note: Police expect to be able to do a name release later this afternoon.