Three men have been rescued following a boat capsize near Howells Point, Riverton, yesterday afternoon (14 Jul).

The men, believed to have been fishing in a small home-built ply-over-wood boat, were returning to shore when the incident took place.

Riverton Coastguard president Ross McKenzie said they dispatched the 8.5m Russell John Chisholm just after 5pm after being alerted by both members of the public and the National Rescue Centre.

"One swam to shore while the other two were picked up by Russell Rescue."

"They had an EPIRB, a VHS radio, and were wearing lifejackets," he said.

Mckenzie estimated the men had been in the water for 20 minutes before being rescued.

McKenzie praised members of Riverton Coastguard saying they had done really well getting out there so fast.

Environment Southland Harbourmaster Lyndon Cleaver said the Environment Southland maritime team had now visited the scene (14 Jul) and had located the boat.

Attempts are being made by Riverton Coastguard to tow the boat to a more secure location and out of the shipping channel, he said.

The boat was powered by two outboard motors, and there is no sign of any oil spill.