13 Mar 2015

Wreckage of helicopter found at French Pass

8:13 pm on 13 March 2015

Divers have found the sunken wreckage of a helicopter that hit power lines, in about ten metres of water in the Marlborough Sounds.

The scene of the helicopter crash at French Pass showing the downed power lines.

The scene of the helicopter crash at French Pass showing the downed power lines. Photo: Supplied

The body of one person is thought to be inside the helicopter in the sea at French Pass.

Witnesses reported it hitting the power lines running to D'Urville Island at about 5.20 pm.

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter said its own helicopter and several boats searched for the wreckage which was eventually found by a commercial diver.

A police vessel with the police dive squad is being sent from Wellington to recover the body which is likely to happen tomorrow.

The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating and the Coroner has been notified.

The police are not releasing the identity of the person thought to have been flying the helicopter.

Boats searching at the scene of the helicopter crash.

Boats searching at the scene of the helicopter crash. Photo: Supplied