Two people have died, and two people are in a stable condition in hospital after a boat got into difficulty in Bluff Harbour this afternoon.

Emergency services were notified of the incident at 12.20pm and a rescue operation was launched immediately which saw Police, Coastguard and Ambulance staff responding.

The rescue operation was carried out in the waters between Bluff Port and Tiwai Wharf.

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

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

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