Pātea bar boat capsize

The story so far

Two people died and a third was injured when a boat capsized on Sunday morning about 200 metres offshore from Pātea, at the mouth of the Pātea River.^{15, 16 Jun 2025} Three people were on board, and the two who died were a six-year-old boy and his stepmother, while the boy's father was also on board.^{16, 19 Jun 2025} The third person was taken to hospital, and nearby boaters helped bring the victims to shore.^{16 Jun 2025} Rescuers said all three occupants were wearing life jackets and following correct protocols at the time.^{19 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 15 Jun 2025Boat capsizes about 200 metres offshore at the Pātea River mouth; two dead.
2. 16 Jun 2025Death toll confirmed; a six-year-old child among the dead, third person hospitalised.
3. 19 Jun 2025Victims identified as a six-year-old boy and his stepmother; rescuers say life jackets were worn.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.