A mystery safe, found in the water near Dunns Road, Otatara by Environment Southland (ES) workers on Friday (20 May), has finally been cracked open.

However contractors found nothing other than muddy water, leaving the story behind how it got there or the whereabouts of its original contents still unsolved.

A safe was found under the Oreti River bridge on Dunns Road by Environment Southland worker on Friday (20 May). Photo: Environment Southland

Acting ES compliance manager Donna Ferguson said they had had one inquiry from a member of the public who subsequently confirmed it wasn't theirs.

Ferguson advised the safe had now been disposed of appropriately.