Four of the birder-photographers who died in New Zealand coastal charter boat tragedy were women

                                                                       

Diana Stewart

THE five birder-photographers who who died when a vessel - chartered for a birdwatching trip - overturned in Goose Bay, Kaikōura, off the coast of New Zealand, have been named.

They were:

* Catherine Margaret Haddock (65)

* Susan Jane Cade (63)

* Diana Ruby Stewart (68) 

* Peter Charles Hockley (76)

* Maureen Patricia Pierre (75)

The group were members of the Nature Photography Society of New Zealand and had travelled to Kaikōura for a three-hour field trip to photograph the coastal environment and wildlife including birds and seals and whales.

Five other society members, plus the skipper, survived.

Inquiries into how the accident occurred - and with such tragic consequences - are ongoing.

The favoured theory is that a whale flipped over the vessel, and the five who died drowned after having been trapped in the cabin.

It is understood the boat was licensed to carry up to 10 passengers and a crewman.

Photos: facebook

                                        

Cathye Haddock