A rescue helicopter has winched a paramedic to the aid of an unconscious boatie after a vessel capsized off Gisborne’s Sponge Bay this morrning.
A number of emergency service agencies responded at 9.20am to the effort off Tuamotu Island.
In a statement, Surf Life Saving New Zealand said the Gisborne Search and Rescue (SAR) Squad was tasked to respond to an emergency situation in the water at Tuamotu Island near Sponge Bay where “one person was unconscious in the water”.
SAR squad launched two inflatable rescue boats alongside surf lifeguards, the Eastland Rescue Helicopter, St John and police.
“The team first winched their critical care flight paramedic down to the scene then landed at Sponge Bay while the patient was assessed and treated,” the helicopter trust said in a statement.
“They then returned to winch the patient and paramedic back up before returning to their landing site on the mainland.”
Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust said it understood the patient was in stable condition when taken to Gisborne Hospital by Hato Hone St John.
The two other boaties were brought shore at to Sponge Bay by IRB.
A police spokesperson said officers were notified in relation to a report of a person in the water requiring assistance after a vessel capsize.
St John said it was notified at 9.01am and responded with a helicopter, one rapid response vehicle and one ambulance.
“One patient in a moderate condition is currently being airlifted to Gisborne Hospital. Two further patients, both in minor conditions, were assessed and treated at the scene, no transport required,” a St John spokesperson said.