Two people dead, third in hospital after boat capsizes at Manawatū beach

Two people have died and one is in hospital after a boat capsized near the Rangitīkei River mouth.

Emergency services rushed to Tangimoana Beach around 8am on Monday in response to reports of three people in the water.

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Matenga Gray said one person sustained injuries and was taken to hospital.

"Sadly, two people have died."

Surf Life Saving New Zealand said the boat capsized about 200m offshore from the Rangitikei River bar, north of Himatangi.

It said six lifeguards responded immediately from the Manawatū-Tararua SAR squad with two inflatable rescue boats.

"One patient made it back to shore by themselves and the remaining two were brought to shore at Tangimoana Beach by surf lifeguards."

Police, Hato Hone St John, Coastguard, Fire and Emergency and a rescue helicopter all responded, Surf Life Saving said.

Hato Hone St John said two ambulances, an operations manager, and one rapid response vehicle attended.

"One patient has been transported to Palmerston North Hospital in a moderate condition."

Coastguard said its National Operations Centre was notified of the capsized vessel and responded after receiving reports of three people in the water.

"Volunteers from Coastguard Manawatū responded with their jet ski Blue Rescue and rescue vessel Kevin Morris II."

Police said the deaths were expected to be referred to the coroner.