A man died in hospital after suffering significant burns while on a boat at Pittwater earlier this month, which is being investigated by a critical incident team.
About 2.55pm on 9 October, police were called to Pittwater, near Scotland Island, following reports of a concern for welfare.
Officers attached to Sydney Water Police spoke with a 61-year-old man regarding the alleged activation of an EPIRB emergency device.
While police were speaking with him, the man is alleged to have picked up a jerry can, pouring the contents of the can over himself while smoking a cigarette, which ignited a fire.
Police officers put out the fire and immediately provided first aid to the man.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for further treatment. His condition was reported to be critical but stable.
About 4am on 26 October the man died in hospital.
A critical incident team from Nepean Police Area Command is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation is also subject to an independent review.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.