Dramatic scenes as boat ‘split in half’ and capsized off popular beach

Several people were thrown into the water off a popular NSW beach after a dragon boat “split in half” and capsized.

Five people have been rescued from the water after a boat reportedly split and capsized in Cronulla on Tuesday morning, leaving two people with head injuries.

Emergency services were called to the water near Shark Island just off Cronulla Beach shortly after 7am after reports a dragon boat had capsized.

Six people were on the boat at the time, with five being sent into the water as the boat flipped.

Five people have been rescued from a bot that “split in half” off Cronulla beach on Tuesday morning. Picture: Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

Bystanders recalled seeing the dragon boat breaking in two, with lifesavers rushing to the scene to rescue those thrown overboard, as reported on 2GB.

“I initially thought a boat had capsized but then I saw half in the water and half further out to sea,” one witness said.

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive officer Steve Pearce said the dragon boat “split in half” in the morning, crediting the “great team of lifeguards” who entered the water on their jet skis to get all occupants back on solid ground.

A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance told NewsWire everyone on the boat was accounted for and there were no serious injuries.

Two people were treated for minor head injuries, with one transported to St George Hospital and the other to Sutherland Hospital.

More to come.

Originally published as Dramatic scenes as boat ‘split in half’ and capsized off popular beach