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The parents of two children who drowned when they were trapped in their sinking boat on Anzac Day will not be charged, say police.
Erina Rowles, eight, and her brother Travis, five, were trapped when their family's 7.3-metre launch sank stern first at Tarahiki Island (also known as Shag Island) east of Waiheke Island about 2am on April 25.
Four adults, including the children's parents Lindsay and Tania Rowles, escaped and sat on rocks for nearly five hours before they were rescued.
The bodies of the children were recovered soon after the adults were rescued.
Police investigated charging the parents but said today after legal advice they had decided charges would not be laid.
"We are not pursuing any criminal charges involving the deaths of the two children," said Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Scott.
"Legal opinion was sought. In the whole circumstances it was appropriate we shouldn't lay any charges. It is a tragedy no matter way you look at it."
The group launched the boat about 11am on April 24 for a fishing trip.
- NZPA
