A worker has died at Lyttelton Port while loading coal onto a ship.
Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) acting chief executive Kirstie Gardener told Newshub that the employee passed away while the ship was being loaded with coal for export.
"We can confirm that this morning there has been a fatality aboard the vessel ETG Aquarius berthed at Cashin Quay."
Stuff reported the worker was crushed by coal but Gardener said she could not confirm any further details.
"I wish to express my deep sadness and condolences to both the family of our team member and to the rest of the LPC team. Our focus right now is on supporting our staff and the family of our LPC team member at this tragic time."
St John told Newshub they were notified of the incident at 9:12 am on Monday and they sent one ambulance, one intensive care paramedic and one medic.
They were not required to transport the man to a nearby hospital.
Police said they will conduct enquiries in relation to the death on behalf of the Coroner, who will release their finding in due course.
Police and Maritime NZ investigators are at the scene.
In a statement, the Maritime Union's Craig Harrison described the loss of another port worker as "tragic", adding that it had "shaken the maritime industry".
Harrison said the death has hit those who work in the industry hard and that the union would offer support to the man's workmates and his family.
The incident will be investigated by Maritime New Zealand and the Union will assist with the investigation if required.
The death comes after 26-year-old Atiroa Tuaiti fell from a height and died while loading and unloading freight at Ports of Auckland last week.
The Maritime Union called for a national inquiry into port safety after Tuaiti's death.
It was the fourth death at the port since 2017.
