New Zealand Rescue Coordination Center said Sunday a third body was recovered in the morning, following the sinking of a fishing vessel off Stewart Island, near South Island of the country.

The vessel, Kotuku, capsized and broke apart about Saturday afternoon, tipping nine people into the icy waters of Foveaux Strait.

Three men were rescued after swimming to a nearby island and using a fire to raise the alarm. But three others are still missing, the Rescue Coordination Center said, adding that it is understood six of the people involved in the tragedy are members of the same family.

A massive rescue effort is underway and search and rescue officer, Keith Allen, said searchers still hold out hopes of finding the missing people alive.

Conditions for searching are good, with the wind dropping and good visibility, he added.

However, police Inspector Barry Taylor said he doesn't hold much hope for the missing people unless they made it to land.

The search has been expanded to include several islands in the area.

Source: Xinhua