Photo: Supplied
Police have released the names of three people who were killed when a boat capzised on the Riverton Bar at the weekend.
They were Richard John King, 80, Heather Ellen King, 79, and John Stanley McCulloch, 75.
All three were from Riverton.
Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman said police sent their "deepest condolences" to the friends and family of the victims.
All necessary support was being provided to them.
The other two people who were on the boat at the time of the capsize have been released from hospital and are recovering at home, Bowman said.
Maritime New Zealand has launched an investigation into the incident.
Coastguard Riverton skipper Ross McKenzie said the bar "can be quite tricky" but why the boat upturned was being investigated.
"Any time you're on on the boat ... wear a life jacket, it's something that's going to keep you at least safe for a while until rescue services can get to you. Know your conditions and look for the weather.
"I can't stress enough the importance of wearing those life jackets."