The Waikato family had travelled to Kaiaua to go fishing, police say, also confirming they had all been wearing lifejackets. Photo / File
The Waikato family had travelled to Kaiaua to go fishing, police say, also confirming they had all been wearing lifejackets. Photo / File
An 8-year-old boy was on a fishing trip with his father and sister when the kayak they were on suddenly capsized.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Michele Gillespie, Counties Manukau South Police, today confirmed all three had been wearing lifejackets but it wasn't enough to save the boy who later died in Starship Hospital.
Emergency services were called to Kaiaua about 3.30pm on Sunday after reports of the kayak capsizing.
Two Coastguard boats, a Cessna and two rescue helicopters were sent to the scene and all three were pulled from the water.
"It had started to take on too much water and this has caused further capsizes and the kayak to eventually sink."
The trio were in the water for some time before help arrived and transported them for emergency medical treatment.
"Police are still conducting interviews with witnesses in an attempt to establish why the kayak capsized in the first instance."
The investigation into how it tipped would include an examination of the kayak and a possible reconstruction of events that would be conducted in conjunction with Maritime New Zealand.
Gillespie said the boy's death had been referred to the coroner.