Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds and Southland District Mayor Rob Scott have both extended their sympathies to the families affected by the Riverton boating tragedy.

Simmonds left the National Party conference in Auckland early Sunday morning, to travel to Riverton to offer her support to those affected.

“I have a long association with the Riverton community and the deceased were all people who have been loyal supporters of mine," she said.

"My heart goes out to the families and to all those suffering as a result of this tragic event."

“I’d also like to commend the emergency services who were deployed so quickly in response to the tragedy – including Police, the Riverton and Bluff Coastguards, St John, Fire and Emergency NZ and Search and Rescue volunteers."

“That the Riverton Coastguard were attending training at the time meant the response was particularly speedy and thorough, along with support from the public who were also close by."

“Living by this sea, this is everyone’s worst fear. My thoughts are with the families, the Riverton community and the emergency personnel as they come to terms with this tragic event,” Simmonds said.

SDC Mayor Scott said it was hard to put into words the effect the tragedy would have on the community.

"It's devastating for a very tight knit community that something like this has happened."

The fact that it was locals made it even harder, he said.

Following the accident, Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka have placed a Rahui restriction on all fishing and recreational activities in the area from the Riverton bar, along the shore to 500m east of the Riverton transfer station road.

The Rahui will remain in place until 13th August.

The red line marks the area of the Rahui.