The search for a person missing after a boat capsized on a sand bar west of Invercargill this afternoon, killing two people, is due to resume tomorrow morning.
Emergency services were alerted after a boat with five people on board capsized on the Riverton Bar at 2.55pm today.
Southland Area Commander Mike Bowman said the recreational craft capsized 100m off shore.
Two people were pulled alive from the water and brought to shore before they were taken to Southland Hospital, he said.
"A third person was unresponsive when brought to shore and tragically was unable to be revived by emergency services staff.
"A fourth person was located deceased in the water, and the search for the fifth person remains ongoing."
A police spokesperson told 1News this evening the search has concluded, and is expected to resume around 7.30am tomorrow.
Bowman earlier said "significance resource" has been deployed including police, Coastguard Riverton, Coastguard Bluff, Hato Hone St John, Fire and Emergency NZ and search and rescue volunteers.
"This is an absolute tragedy and our hearts go out to all those impacted by this devastating incident."
Hato Hone St John said it responded to reports of a water incident in Riverton with one manager, two ambulances, one rapid response unit, two helicopters and one first response unit.
"Our crews assessed and treated two patients, one in a moderate condition and one in a minor condition who were both transported to Southland Hospital," a spokesperson said.
A Coastguard spokesperson said volunteers from Coastguard Riverton and Coastguard Bluff responded on rescue vessels Russell John Chisholm and Bluff Rescue.
"This incident is heartbreaking as what should have been a day of enjoyment on the water has turned into a tragedy."
Family and next of kin notifications are being undertaken and there will be no further information until it has been confirmed these have taken place, Bowman said.
"Any updates on the search for the missing person will be provided via media release."
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