Whangaruru water rescue: One person dead, two in hospital

The water incident was off the coast of Whangaruru. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Police have recovered a body from the water in Whangaruru after a rescue today.

Two other people are in a stable condition in hospital after the “water incident” which happened at 11.17am.

Police earlier told the Advocate two people made it back to shore, one of whom was reported to be in a critical condition, and a third person was missing.

They have since said while a formal identification process is yet to be done, police believe the body is that of the person previously unaccounted for.

“Inquiries into the incident are ongoing, including on behalf of the Coroner.”

Coastguard confirmed volunteer crews from Whangaruru and Tutukaka were sent to support other emergency services at the scene.