Man, 23, dies in ‘tragic’ kayaking incident in Milford Sound
Che Baker
Oct 10, 2024 •12:04am
The road to Milford Sound was closed on Tuesday, the day the man died, because of avalanche risk. (File photo)
Stuff
A 23-year-old man working as a guide in Milford Sound died in a kayak incident while on the Cleddau River on a day off from work.
Western Southland area response manager senior sergeant Pete Graham confirmed the man who died was Daymon Nuhaj.
Nuhaj was originally from Nelson but had been living in Milford Sound for the past few years working as a tourism guide.
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An experienced kayaker, Nuhaj and a friend had been dropped off by another friend to kayak the Cleddau River on Tuesday.
The pair had kayaked the river, which runs beside the road into Milford Sound, numerous times before.
It appeared Nuhaj got into trouble and was found out of his kayak unresponsive by his friend, who then preformed CPR.
The other friend, who was onshore spotting the pair at the time, drove to raise the alarm about 12.50pm.
However, Nuhaj was unable to be revived.
Nuhaj had been on a day off work and the road to Milford Sound was closed at the time because of avalanche risk.
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Police and ambulance staff were allowed through the closed road to get to the scene and helicopters were deployed from Queenstown and Te Anau to assist.
Graham said the river was considered a grade 3, which was well within the pair’s kayaking capabilities.
“This is a tragic accident and out condolences go out to the tight knit Milford community and the man’s family,” Graham said.
Graham said the specialist water rescue team from Te Anau played a key part in recovering Nuhaj’s body.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing and the death will be referred to the Coroner.
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