Tragic end to mates' day out - Boat capsized on Waikato River

A duck-shooting trip turned to tragedy yesterday after a group of mates were flung from their boat as it capsized on the Waikato River.

The quick thinking of local duck hunters saved the lives of three of the men, who were swept down the river after the incident at Hoods Landing at 3pm.

The fourth man was confirmed dead at the scene when emergency services, alerted by other duck hunters, arrived.

Waiuku man Carl Hill told One News that he had spoken to the men before they took to the water.

They told him they were duck shooting and that it was their first time taking the boat up the river.

Soon after he saw their boat overturn and then spotted three men wearing life jackets, swimming to shore. There, they clung to trees on the riverbank and waited for help.

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The three men were rescued from the water - two by the Coastguard and one by private boat.

The boat, a green runabout, was recovered. In it was a chilly bin and a Heineken beer box. It was unclear if the man who died was wearing a lifejacket.

Police said last night an investigation into the incident, which was also attended by the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Fire Service and St John Ambulance, was continuing.

The survivors were taken to Middlemore Hospital for treatment.

Last night duck hunters returning on their boats from various parts of the river area said they did not know who was involved. One group said there were "heaps" of boats heading out in the the morning. But by mid-afternoon, when the incident happened, many had abandoned the water due to incoming inclement weather.

Meanwhile, a search is under way for a boat on Lake Wakatipu following reports of a distress call.

Inspector Rick Jury said a member of the public heard a distress call on the maritime radio channel and alerted authorities. Coastguard, police and a helicopter were involved in the search.