Mother drowns after caught in rip with son, 9

Blackhead Beach. Photo / Hawkes Bay Today

A 38-year-old Palmerston North woman has drowned after being caught in a strong rip in southern Hawke's Bay today.

Police were called after reports of a woman and child being carried out to sea at Blackhead Beach, 81km south of Hastings, about 12.30pm, central communications Inspector Paul Jermy said.

The woman and her nine-year-old son, who were staying near the beach, had waded out to get a fishing buoy from the water when they were caught in the rip.

Mr Jermy said witnesses managed to launch a boat and help the boy out of the water, but the woman was unconscious when they reached her.

The pair were taken back to shore where a local fireman and his wife conducted CPR on the woman for about 45 minutes without success.

The boy was flown to hospital and was later discharged uninjured.

Police are referring the woman's death to the coroner.

- NZPA