Man killed after boat capsizes crossing Tweed River bar

A man has died and another been rescued after a boat capsized while crossing the Tweed River bar early this morning.

The rescue helicopter responding after a man was killed when a boat capsized in the Tweed River.

A man has died, and a second man has been rescued, after their boat capsized while crossing the Tweed River bar on Saturday morning.

Emergency services were called to the North Tweed River walk about 6am after two people were seen clinging to the upturned hull of a 6.5m half-cabin runabout in big swells.

The boat washed up on the beach at Duranbah. Picture: @nicka35

A rescue operation was launched involving officers from Tweed/Byron Police District, Tweed Heads Water Police, Marine Rescue, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew, and Surf Life Savers.

A man was retrieved from the water by Marine Rescue members and has been taken to Tweed Heads Hospital to be checked as a precaution.

A second man was winched from the ocean by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew and taken to Duranbah Beach but was unable to be revived. He is yet to be formally identified.

One man died and another had to be rescued after this boat capsized in the Tweed River. Picture: Troy Brown

Police have been told the men launched the boat from the Kennedy Drive boat ramp a short time earlier and were heading out across the bar when the boat capsized.

Initial inquiries indicate neither man was wearing a life jacket, but investigations continue.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner, police said.

Originally published as Man killed after boat capsizes crossing Tweed River bar