Two people have died after a boat capsized on the sand bar at the mouth of the Pātea River in south Taranaki this morning.
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.
Coastguard Volunteers from South Taranaki and Wanganui attended, while Fire and Emergency NZ responded with crews from Pātea and Waverley.
