A boat is in tow to Whakatane after an emergency flare was fired from it at about 8.10am. One person was on the boat when it came into difficulty – the specifics of which are uncertain at this time.

There was a response to the flare from both Opotiki and Whakatane Coastguards, as well as police and ambulance emergency services.

The boat is reported to have become swamped leading to the firing of the flare.