British expat killed by catamaran's propeller blades

A British expat has died after part of his face was sliced off in a boat's propeller while diving in New Zealand.

Friends of 56-year-old Bruce Porter watched on in horror as the experienced diver was struck in the head after he resurfaced at about 7pm Friday, the NZ Herald reported.

It is understood he was still conscious when pulled from the water but later died from serious facial injuries.

Friend and former dive partner Cameron Smirk said Mr Porter had moved to Auckland with his wife Jill a few years ago and still had children in the UK.

"He was a great guy," Mr Smirk said.

"It was a shock to everyone."

The civil engineer had been diving 32km east of Whangarei, off New Zealand's north island, with members of the Western Underwater Dive Club which chartered a 16m catamaran for three days.

Diane Garaway, who was on the boat at the time of the accident, said she was too traumatised to discuss what she saw.

"I'm in shock. At the moment we're coming together as the group of friends we are, and just trying to support each other," she said.

A Maori blessing was held at the site on Saturday to farewell Mr Porter.

Police are investigating the accident.

Source: NZ Herald
Author: Chloe Ross, Approving editor: Simon Black