Man dies after car enters Ōamaru Harbour

Kineta Knight
Kineta Knight
Aug 26, 2026 9:27 am |
Police unit at night / Chris Lynch Media / File photo

A 69-year-old Ōamaru man has died after a car entered the water at Holmes Wharf yesterday evening.

Police were called to Ōamaru Harbour at about 5.30pm after receiving reports a vehicle had gone into the water and no one had been seen resurfacing.

With assistance from local divers, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ambulance staff, Police located the man’s body.

CPR was carried out immediately, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A scene guard remained at Holmes Wharf overnight, and the Serious Crash Unit and other specialist teams will examine the scene today.

Police inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Police through 105, online or by phone, quoting file number 260825/4540.

Kineta Knight
Kineta Knight

Kineta Knight is a highly experienced senior journalist, content creator and producer. She has worked as a reporter for radio, TV, digital and print, as well as editor of lifestyle magazines in NZ and the UK. Kineta's interests include all-things creative and community. Contact: [email protected]

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