Two people have died and two others were taken to Southland Hospital in a critical condition following a rescue operation in Bluff Harbour this afternoon.

Emergency services were alerted to a vessel in difficulty in Bluff Harbour at 12.20pm today

The rescue operation involving Police, Coastguard and Ambulance staff was immediately launched in the waters between Bluff Port and Tiwai Wharf.

The two survivors are now in a stable condition.

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Police would like to hear from anyone who saw a small boat in Bluff Harbour today or who have CCTV footage of the harbour as this may be relevant to their enquiries. 

Anyone with information is asked to call 105 and quote event number P048675341.

It is believed four people were on the boat when it got into difficulties.

Maritime New Zealand have been advised and Police are making enquiries into the deaths on behalf of the Coroner.

Te Rūnanga o Awarua have subsequently placed a Rahui on the Bluff inner Harbour.

A traditional rahui requires people to refrain from taking kaimoana and pay respect within the notified area.

The area is a direct line from Kanawera- Stirling Point to the Papakaha-Tiwai Point and all the way up the harbour including Awarua Bay and will be for a period of one week ending 1 pm, Friday 26 November.