5 dead in a "traffic accident" between a small boat and a huge whale!

Five people have died in New Zealand after a small chartered boat collided with a huge whale and capsized, according to local reports.

The accident occurred on Saturday morning near the town of Kaikoura in the south of the island.

According to local reports, a large search and rescue operation continued through the afternoon, with the participation of helicopters, coast guard volunteers and divers.

The mayor of Kaikoura, Craig McClei, confirmed to the Associated Press that 11 people were on board, six of whom were rescued.

Local reports said the bodies of the missing were later found in the cabin of the boat.

"This was a tragic event and the police are providing support at this very difficult time," Kaikoura police sergeant Matt Boyce told reporters at the scene.

From the observation post, Chapman said, they could initially see someone sitting on top of an overturned boat waving their arms.

She added that the person on board the boat had been rescued and it appeared that another person had been pulled out of the water.

The mayor said the water seemed calm, and it was assumed that a whale had emerged from under the boat and flipped it over.

Kaikoura is a popular whale watching destination, as sperm whales are usually found in the area and some humpback whales also pass by.

The mayor said it was not yet clear what kind of whale had hit the boat.

McClei said he had not heard of any previous incidents involving whales, although it "always in your mind that it could happen".

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