Media Release 15/02/2016
Boating Mishap Gisborne
At about 7PM tonight Police were made aware of a boating incident at Sponge Bay Island near Gisborne. A small boat containing two men had got into difficulty. The two men ended up on Sponge Bay Island unable to get back to shore. Both the Coastguard and the Eastern Rescue Helicopter were deployed. One of the men was deceased by the time the rescue helicopter got to the island.
The matter will be referred to the coroner.
There will be no further comment tonight.
Neale SAUNDERS
District Command Centre
Eastern Districts