Rakaia River rescue: Emergency services rush to scene

Emergency services are responding to a water incident at the Rakaia River mouth in Canterbury this afternoon. Image / Google Maps

A woman has died after a group got into trouble attempting to cross a river on quad bikes.

Emergency services are rushing to a reported water rescue near the mouth of the Rakaia River in Canterbury this afternoon.

Police say they were alerted at 1.05pm.

A police spokesman said the incident involved quad bike riders who became stuck while attempting to cross the south side of the river mouth.

“Several people have received injuries and we are assisting them at the scene currently,” they said.

Police later said six people were recovered, with one person located deceased and one taken to hospital in a critical condition by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Hato Hone St John said they were notified of an incident at Dorie at 1.02pm and sent two ambulances, an operations manager, two rapid response vehicles and a helicopter.

“One person has been airlifted to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition,” a spokesperson said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand also helped with the response, along with a member of the public in a private vessel.

The mouth of the Rakaia River is about 80km south of Christchurch. It is a popular spot with salmon and trout anglers, as well as boaties and 4WD and ATV enthusiasts.

– More to come