One dead after workplace accident at Ports of Auckland

9:43 am on 30 August 2020

A man has died in a workplace accident at a Ports of Auckland facility in Parnell.

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Photo: RNZ

Police said emergency services were called to the scene at about 2.15am.

The Ports of Auckland said a stevedore was fatally injured while working on a ship at Fergusson Container Terminal.

St John Ambulance said the man died at the scene.

The port chief executive, Tony Gibson, said the company was absolutely devastated.

"I've met with the family ... and offered all our love and support and will do everything we can to help them through this tragic accident."

Gibson said the company is also supporting workers who were at the scene.

He said because an investigation was ongoing it would not provide any further information at this time.

Maritime New Zealand would lead the health and safety investigation because the accident happened on a ship, he said.

Police said its inquires were ongoing and WorkSafe has also been been advised.

Gibson said there are three vessels pulled up at the port today and they are working out how to processes them.

"[We're] speaking to staff, we're a big family here and some are impacted more than others.

"Some may not be able to continue to work [today] which we respect - and some will."