Emergency services rescue pair from sinking vehicle in a Nelson river

The pair were declared safe at 12.45am. Photo / File

Two people have been rescued from the Waimea River, near Nelson, after the 4x4 vehicle they were driving began to sink.

Senior Sergeant John Price said two men, aged 27 and 29, had climbed on the roof of their Nissan Safari to escape the water.

They entered the water between O'Connor and River Rd, Appleby, south of Nelson.

Police were called at 11.26pm yesterday after they got into difficulty in the river, which Price said had risen due to heavy rain earlier in the day.

"Police organised for a swift water rescue team to reach the pair ... they were declared safe at 12.45am," Price said.

The pair were taken to hospital due to the early effects of hypothermia setting in.

The Nissan remained in the water and eventually sank - it has been seen since the incident and reported to the Tasman District Council.

"While we are pleased these men are safe, we warn people not to enter swollen waterways and flooded rivers.

"Not only do people put themselves in jeopardy, they put rescue teams in danger," Price declared.