"One dead after boating mishap at Mahia"

One man is dead after a boating accident near the Mahia Peninsula this morning.

Police were alerted to the incident after a 13-year-old girl who was on the boat made her way to shore and walked 2km to the nearest house to raise the alarm. Police immediately launched a rescue operation involving local boats, the Coastguard and rescue helicopters from Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.

All three people on the boat have now made it to shore and have been accounted for. It is believed the girl was on a fishing trip with two male family members. The deceased male is believed to be in his 60s. His name will not be released until family have been notified.

Police say the boat flipped earlier this morning near White Rock, which is near Table Cape on the peninsula. All three people were thrown into the water. It is not known if they were wearing lifejackets.

Searchers have now been stood down and investigations have begun into how the accident occurred. The man’s death has been referred to the coroner.

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