The Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter on scene at the Sponge Bay landing site. Photo: SUPPLIED
A rescue helicopter has winched a person to safety after a boating accident near Gisborne.
Eastland Rescue Helicopter and search and rescue were called to Tuamotu Island just off Gisborne's Sponge Bay at 9.20am on Tuesday after a small boat capsized, leaving three people in the water about 100 metres off shore.
Surf Lifesaving New Zealand said one person was unconscious.
Search and Rescue and the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter at work at the scene of a boat capsize just off Tuamotu Island. Photo: SUPPLIED
The helicopter winched a paramedic down to treat one patient, before winching them both back up and taking the patient to the mainland.
They were taken to hospital in a moderate but stable condition.
St John said two other people were treated for minor injuries.