UPDATED 3.43PM:
Two people have died after a water-related incident in the in the Bay of Plenty.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Phil Gillbanks said emergency services were called to the Tarawera River near Boyce Park about 11.30am after a report of a party becoming stuck under a bank.
"Sadly, two people were located deceased a short time later," Gillbanks said.
He said the deaths will be referred to the coroner.
Fire and Emergency said two crews from Kawerau and two from Edgecumbe are in attendance, including “about 15 firefighters”.
“One ambulance, a first response unit, an operations manager and a rapid response unit are on scene and a helicopter is en route,” a St John spokesperson said.
Emergency services were notified of two people having gone into the Tarawera River near Boyce Park and not returning. Photo / Annabel Reid
Surf Lifesaving NZ eastern region manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell said they’ve had a team from the Western Bay of Plenty Search and Rescue Squad go down and assist police and FENZ with the operation.
“We’ve had four people from the SAR squad, two of them are swift water trained. They have been down there with an IRB assisting.”
He said the team is still there at the moment, but is about to pack up and head back to Tauranga soon.
“Our condolences to the family at this time.”
A Kawerau local said young people had become trapped after a cliff collapsed at a popular river swimming spot.
Kurūtia Tanoa, who lives on Domett St, one over from Boyce Park on River Rd, said he first heard a rescue helicopter about 11.30am.
“Once you hear a chopper flying in, you know something serious has gone down here in Kawerau,” he said.
Tanoa said he rushed to the Tarawera River, where he was told the cliff on the other side of a swimming spot frequently used by local children had “collapsed”.
“It’s sad,” he said.
Tanoa said he knew the youths involved and many of those waiting nearby for updates.
“These kids … they all play rugby … they all train together.”
A rescue operation is underway for a person missing in Tarawera River, Kawerau. Photo / Google Earth
A woman who works near the Tarawera River on Manukorihi Drive said they had all been told to stay inside.
“We’ve got police down the street, and they have blocked the street.”
The woman, who did not want to be named, said there were two fire engines, five police cars and three ambulances in the area.
A rescue operation is underway in Kawerau after two people went missing in the Tarawera River. Photo / Annabel Reid
“We have no idea what is going on. We’ve just been told to stay in our buildings.”
She said the police were stopping people from going out on the street.
A helicopter at Boyce Park near where a rescue operation is underway. Photo / Annabel Reid
“They stopped all the trucks.”
“The police look very busy; they are just stopping people from going into the street.”
Another woman who works in the area said she saw a helicopter landing near the river.
Police continue to cordon off part of Boyce Park as emergency services respond to the incident.
In a social media post, Kawerau District Council asked residents to allow emergency services “to do their mahi”.
“An incident occurred today in our community. We understand the New Zealand Police, Fire Emergency New Zealand and St John are at the scene.
“We ask that Kawerau allow these emergency services to do their mahi.
“We as a community will be updated in due course.”
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