There is a long history of shipwrecks and vessels capsizing or being lost in the seas around the Southland Region of New Zealand.
[1] The worst incident was on 29 April 1881, when the SS Tararua struck Otara reef 13 km (8.1 mi) off Waipapa Point.
This incident is the worst maritime disaster for civilian vessels in New Zealand's history.
[5] The disaster led to the establishment of a lighthouse at Waipapa Point.
[6][7] Serious incidents with multiple fatalities have continued into the 21st century, and the Bluff Coastguard is often called upon to assist vessels in distress in Foveaux Strait.