Scooter accident cause of Kiwi sailor's death

The 22-year-old New Zealand sailor who died in a scooter crash seems to have collided with a traffic island in the road.

Able Seaman Combat Specialist William Paratini Delamere was in Rarotonga serving with HMNZS Otago.

He was on leave when he crashed his scooter early this morning, local time.

Inspector Tere Patia says their investigation is almost complete.

"We believe the contributing factors will be speed and also alcohol but we are still trying to confirm this."

Inspector Patia says it's an absolutely tragedy, and should serve as a warning to others about the dangers of scooters.

The Defence Force says the sailor killed in Rarotonga was involved in a scooter crash, while he was on leave.

Commodore John Martin says Mr Delamere was taken to Rarotonga Hospital, but pronounced dead.

Local police are carrying out an investigation.

The Defence Minister has extended his sympathies to Mr Delamere's family.

Jonathan Coleman says it's a tragic loss of young life and will come as a big shock to those closest to him.

Doctor Colman says the Defence Force will be providing support to his family and close colleagues.

And Labour's Defence spokesman Iain Lees-Galloway says the force is such a tight knit bunch that any loss will be hard to bear.