Three people have now been confirmed to have died after a boat carrying five people capsized on the Riverton bar earlier yesterday afternoon (3 Aug).

A third person was located deceased in the water on the final sweep last night by a rescue helicopter.

Two people had earlier been found deceased.

Two others were recovered alive yesterday and taken to Southland Hospital,

One remains in hospital.

Emergency services were alerted around 2.55pm yesterday, sparking a significant response from Police, Coastguard Riverton, Coastguard Bluff, Hato Hone St John, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and SAR volunteers.

Southland Area Commander, Inspector Mike Bowman, said it was a heart-wrenching incident, and Police extend their deepest sympathies to the whānau of those involved, who are being supported. 

I would like to commend all staff involved in this incident, they responded swiftly and brought all five people home, he said.

While this was not the result we were hoping for, we are pleased to have been able to recover two of the occupants alive and be able to play our part in returning the deceased to their loved ones, Bowman said.

Police said further information regarding the deceased would be released when they are in a position to do so.