Snorkeler rescued after ingesting water

A 40-year-old Wanganui man nearly drowned after he ingested water while snorkeling in the Marlborough Sounds this evening.

The Wellington based Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to Ship Cove in the sounds at around 5.20pm after a man was brought unconscious onto a boat in the sounds.

A Westpac Rescue Helicopter spokesman said they understood the man had been snorkeling and had ingested water.

Others onboard the boat had placed him in the recovery position and called 111 before the skipper headed to Ships Cove where a large wharf enabled the rescue helicopter to land.  

The man was transported to Wellington Hospital Emergency Department where he is being treated and assessed.

- © Fairfax NZ News