Two people have been flown to Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital following a boat accident in Pauanui, on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula.
A St John spokesperson told 1News they were called to a water-related incident at Vista Paku shortly after 2.30pm.
The spokespersons said two people have been flown to Starship hospital in Auckland in a critical condition.
One further person was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition and two others were treated at the scene for minor injuries, they said.
Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter said one patient was a boy in a critical condition and another was a woman, believed to be in her 30s, who was in a minor condition.
Police confirmed there were five people on board and all are accounted for and getting medical assistance.
Five people were on board the boat which flipped off the popular Coromandel beach. (Source: Supplied)
A witness told 1News there were three helicopters at the scene - two Westpac rescue helicopters and another smaller one.
Video from the scene shows first aid being provided and a number of Surf Life Saving boats in attendance. People are also in the water steadying the upturned boat.
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