Three people were rescued from the water after a boat capsized off the coast of Tolaga Bay today.

Police alerted Coastguard to the incident at 11.18am.

“Coastguard Gisborne sent out a rescue vessel, alongside Surf Life Saving and a rescue helicopter,” a Coastguard NZ spokeswoman said.

“They have spotted three people in the water and they have now rescued them and taken them to shore to be looked over by the ambulance.”

Hato Hone St John said they responded with an ambulance and helicopter at 12.07pm.

Three people in a moderate condition were airlifted to Gisborne Hospital about 4pm.

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