“Tragically, the second person was located unresponsive in the water a short time later and was unable to be revived,” police said.

The death will be referred to the coroner.

In a statement, Coastguard Hawke’s Bay said volunteers responded to a police request for assistance after reports of a capsized vessel near Pania Reef.

“Two people were reported missing. Both were wearing lifejackets – an important safety measure.

“One person was recovered by Coastguard volunteers and transported back to shore to meet ambulance services. A second person was found unresponsive by a commercial vessel assisting with the search.

“A rescue helicopter already on scene winched down a paramedic to the vessel to assess the person,” the statement said.

“After transporting the first patient to shore, Coastguard Hawke’s Bay returned to the scene with police to transfer the second person to the Coastguard vessel Celia Knowles, which then transported them back to shore.”

According to Coastguard figures, the death marks the second craft-related fatality in four days.

“Bringing the total to 17 craft-related fatalities so far this year, which now matches the annual average of lives lost in incidents involving recreational craft in New Zealand,” it said.

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