Multiple people injured after boat sinks in Southland

Three people were taken to hospital after a water related incident near Invercargill Saturday morning. Photo / Google Maps

Multiple people are injured, two in a serious condition, after a boat sank in a river near Invercargill.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at the Ōreti River, near West Plains Rd, about 10.30am.

Police said three passengers were on board the vessel when it sank.

“Two people self-rescued and contacted emergency services,” said a police spokesperson.

One person was still stuck in the river when emergency services arrived.

Fire and Emergency Services (Fenz) were called to the scene just before 11am.

“Upon arrival, one person was still in the river, our crews assisted with pulling them out of the river,” said a Fenz spokesperson.

St John responded with two ambulances, one Rapid Response Unit, and an operations manager.

Two patients in a serious condition and one in a moderate condition were taken to Kew Hospital.

More to come.