Coroner Highlights Rock Fishing Dangers After Slope Point Death

A 47-year-old Southland fisherman died after being swept into rough seas at Slope Point and hitting his head on rocks, a coroner has found.

Stanley Chung-Chi Tsoi was fishing with a friend from rocks at the Catlins location on the afternoon of 3 October 2023 when a large wave struck him and washed him into the sea.

A boat recovered his body nearly a mile offshore a short time later.

Coroner Emma Hoskin ruled Tsoi hit his head on the rocks and was knocked unconscious, causing him to drown.

"As his friend described it, a wave came over the rocks with water above the height of his knees and he looked up and Stanley was gone. He saw Stanley in the sea, face up but unresponsive, and being dragged out by the currents," Coroner Hoskin said.

The location was familiar to both men and Tsoi had fished there many times before. That afternoon the weather was calm and fine with a light breeze, but the sea was described as rough.

Tsoi was not wearing a life jacket at the time and was reportedly a strong swimmer.

Hoskin noted he had died while fishing at a high-risk location where other rock-fishers had previously died.

"The dangers of rock-fishing have been well publicised in the media and in previous coronial cases. As recently as August 2025 a coroner recommended an urgent law change to make wearing life jackets mandatory for all rock-fishermen," she said.

"As the Surf Lifesaving New Zealand website clearly states 'rock-fishing has been the highest risk activity for coastal drownings in previous years'."

Coroner Hoskin repeated safety messages for rock-fishers, including always wearing a life jacket, being alert for large waves, and knowing how to get help.