Two people have died and another has been injured after a boat capsized near the mouth of the Rangitīkei River this morning.
Police were told of the incident at 8.35am, Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Matenga Gray said.
"Three people were reported to be in the water. Sadly, two people died, while another sustained injuries and has been taken to hospital."
Coastguard's National Operations Centre was notified just after 8am.
"Volunteers from Coastguard Manawatū responded with their jetski Blue Rescue and rescue vessel Kevin Morris II," a spokesperson told 1News.
St John sent two ambulances, an operations manager and a rapid response vehicle to the scene.
"One patient has been transported to Palmerston North Hospital in a moderate condition," a spokesperson said.
Fire and Emergency NZ sent one crew from Tangimoana to assist.
The deaths are expected to be referred to the coroner.
Tangimoana, located at the mouth of the Rangitikei River, is around 30km west of Palmerston North.
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