Woman rescued from sinking boat

A woman is in a serious condition after a boat hit rocks and sank off Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Inspector Shawn Rutene said the boat hit rocks at about 4.30am.

A man from the boat swam for an hour to raise the alarm while his wife clung to the side of the boat.

Mr Rutene said the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Coastguard and police took part in the rescue.

He said the woman was found at about 6.45am and is in a serious condition in Auckland Hospital.

- NZHERALD STAFF