Three people are fighting for their lives after the boat they were on flipped in the Coromandel on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred in the water near the coastal town of Pauanui at about 2:30pm.
There were five people on the boat when it overturned, all of whom have been accounted for and are receiving medical treatment.
St John says three of them are in a critical condition and another two have minor injuries. Two of the patients who are critical were airlifted to Auckland's Starship Hospital and the other flown to Waikato Hospital.
Emergency services had earlier rushed to the scene after being notified of the incident. St John had sent two ambulances, two managers, one rapid response unit and three helicopters.
