Two people have died after a boat capsized on the bar at the mouth of the Pātea River in south Taranaki this morning.
Early indications were that the boaties had notified authorities of intending to cross the bar and operators were watching via cameras as the tragedy unfolded.
Detective Sergeant Chris Allemann said police had been notified that a boat with three people on board had overturned about 200m offshore at around 10.15am on Sunday.
“Sadly, two people died in the incident and their bodies were recovered by 11.30am.”
One person was located in the water after the boat capsized, was treated by ambulance at the scene and have been taken to hospital.
Allemann said police were providing support to the next of kin and that the cause of the capsize would be investigated.
“At this time, police are unable to provide any further details.”
St John said one ambulance, one manager, and one helicopter responded to the incident.
Fire and Emergency NZ responded with crews from Pātea and Waverley.
Police alerted to overturned vessel about 200m offshore from Pātea with three people on board at around 10.15am. (Source: 1News)
Coastguard South Taranaki said the vessel involved in the incident had logged a bar crossing trip report, meaning radio operators were watching the bar cameras and raised the alarm quickly when the boat overturned.
A spokesperson said Coastguard South Taranaki’s rescue vessel remained on shore as there was no indication anyone was still missing, and that Coastguard Wanganui was requested but then stood down.
“The two people who sadly lost their lives, as well as a third person who was taken to hospital, were brought to shore by nearby boaties who responded quickly to the call for help.
“Some of those on board happened to be off-duty Coastguard volunteers who were out fishing in a private capacity.”
Coastguard said the deaths were a “devastating outcome”.
“Our hearts and aroha are with the whānau and friends of those involved.”
It comes after four people died in two drowning incidents this month. (Source: 1News)
Seven-day rāhui in place
A rāhui was put in place for seven days by representatives of Rangitaawhi hapuu along with Ngāti Tūpito and Ngāti Ruanui.
It included the Pātea River and 1km along the beach on either side of the river mouth.
“There should strictly be no fishing, no shellfish collecting, no recreational activities, no boating, motorbike riding, and no swimming to take place in respect of the deceased and ensure the environment returns to a state of oranga/wellbeing.”
The rāhui would stay in place until 6am on June 23.