An injured cruise ship crew member has been rescued by two New Zealand helicopters near remote Campbell Island south of New Zealand today.
The man was picked up after sustaining a serious injury to his hand while aboard the ship, the Bremen.
The man was winched to safety this afternoon by the choppers from Otago and Southern Lakes, about 50 nautical miles south of Campbell Island, Rescue Coordination Centre spokeswoman Sophie Hazelhurst told NZPA.
Campbell Island is about 700km south of New Zealand.
"They have now landed back on Campbell Island to refuel before returning to Invercargill tonight ," she said.
It was not yet known the condition of the man, but he would be taken directly to Southland Hospital.
It was expected the helicopters would return about 7.30pm.
