Pathologist: Boat likely ran over Haywood

A Pleasant Point man who died during a fishing trip on Lake Tekapo last month was probably run over by the boat after it had hit a submerged object, throwing all three occupants into the water.

Acknowledging it was unusual for a coroner's inquest to be held so soon after a death, coroner Richard McElrea said he had done so as the pathologist's findings into the death of Alexander Younger Haywood could assist police and Maritime New Zealand with their investigations into the incident.

Mr Haywood, 72, his son Antony Haywood, 46, and friend Murray Green, 54, had left Pleasant Point at 6.15am on October 21 to go fishing on Lake Tekapo.

They had planned to fish near the head of the Macaulay River, but when they did not return, police were informed shortly after 10pm.

Their submerged boat was found on a sandbank on the western shores of Lake Tekapo around 2am, and Mr Haywood's body was found on the north-west shore of Motuariki Island, three nautical miles away, the following morning.

The bodies of the other two men have not been recovered from the lake.

Pathologist Bryan Berkeley said Mr Haywood's injuries included bruising consistent with the bow of the boat having ridden over him.

Initial investigations by police and Maritime New Zealand suggested the boat had struck a submerged object, throwing the three men into the lake.

Shown photos of the boat, Mr Berkeley said it was possible the bruising on his back and head had come from Mr Haywood hitting the side of the boat as he was thrown out, but, due to bruises on his arm, Mr Berkeley preferred the scenario of the boat, still under power, riding over Mr Haywood.

He had fractures to all his ribs, which would have made it difficult to breathe.

There was no evidence that he had survived in the water for long, and it was likely he was knocked unconscious from the impact to his head.

It was questionable whether Mr Haywood could have survived his chest injuries, even if medical help had been immediately available.

Mr McElrea found the cause of death to be asphyxia.

Yesterday's hearing also opened the inquest into the deaths of the other two men who were in the boat.

While those bodies had not been recovered, Mr McElrea said that, in the circumstances, he was satisfied they had died.

The inquests have been adjourned until the police and Maritime New Zealand's report into the incident were available.

There was no indication when that would be.

- © Fairfax NZ News