A fisherman who died after the dinghy he was in capsized and sank in Wellington Harbour was not wearing a life jacket, even though there was one on board the boat, police say.
Leon Grant Scurrah, 49, of Lower Hutt, was fishing with a friend when the boat they were in capsized and quickly sank yesterday afternoon about 75 metres offshore from Hutt Road, near Horokiwi.
Both men tried to swim to shore but Mr Scurrah did not make it.
His friend raised the alarm and a search began.
About two hours later Mr Scurrah's body was found by members of the Police National Dive Squad.
A police statement released this evening said neither of the men was wearing a life jacket, despite these being stowed on the boat.
The dinghy was recovered today by divers.
NZN