Tuamotu Island rescue: Unconscious person pulled out of water off coast of Gisborne

One person was in a moderate condition and two were in a minor condition after a water rescue near Tuamotu Island. Photo / Wynsley Wrigley

Surf lifeguards and a helicopter were involved in a rescue off the coast of Gisborne’s Sponge Bay on Tuesday morning.

A statement from Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) confirmed that the Gisborne Search and Rescue Squad responded to an emergency at Tuamotu Island involving one person unconscious in the water.

“The Search and Rescue (SAR) squad has launched two Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) in response and are currently on scene,” the SLSNZ statement said.

“The Eastland Rescue Helicopter has responded and a medic has been winched down, with surf lifeguards providing assistance at the scene and two Hato Hone St John ambulances are on standby at Sponge Bay.”

Justin Martin from Gisborne-East Coast District Surf Life Saving said two other people on the island were taken to shore in IRBs.

A spokeswoman for Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter said a helicopter was on the scene.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one person was in a moderate condition and two were in a minor condition.

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