Three people were taken to hospital after the boat they were in sank in a Southland river on Saturday morning.
A police spokeswoman said they received a report of a person needing help in the Ōreti River, near West Plains Rd about 10.30am. Three people had been in the boat when it sank.
Two managed to get themselves out of danger and contacted emergency services, while the third was left floating in the water until emergency services arrived.
Water gear, including a rescue basket, was used to get them to shore.
The water was very cold and the person was in a serious condition, the spokeswoman said.
A Hato Hone St John spokeswoman confirmed three people were taken to Southland Hospital in Invercargill, two with serious injuries and one with moderate injuries.
Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and an operations manager were sent to the scene.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman said four fire crews were also sent from the Kingswell and Wallacetown brigades to help with the rescue.
A police investigation into what caused the boat to sink was ongoing.
