Three dead after Botany Bay boat capsize tragedy

A weekend boat ride in Sydney’s south east has ended in tragedy with three men dying after being pulled from large swells.

A helicopter used in the rescue on Sunday. Picture: 7News

A weekend boat ride in Sydney’s south east has ended in tragedy with three men dying after being pulled from large swells that flipped their boat and hurled them into the sea.

The men were thrown into the water at Botany Bay when their boat capsized near the lighthouse at Cruwee Cove, off shore from La Perouse around 12.30pm on Sunday.

Emergency services were called to Henry Head Lane in the south eastern suburb following reports there were people were unconscious in the water.

The capsized boat. Picture: 7News

“Three men were retrieved from the water; however, they died at the scene,” a police statement said.

“It’s not believed any other occupants were on board; however, the search operation is continuing.”

Vision of the incident shows an overturned boat smashed on a rock platform stretching near the lighthouse where it had flipped.

Yellow life jackets and items were found on the rocks and were being guarded by officers.

It is unclear if the men were wearing life jackets.

Crews from Marine Rescue NSW and the NSW Police were on the scene as well as a Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter which winched two of the men from the water.

The Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Base on Sunday. Picture: Adam Yip

The pair were brought back to the headquarters where CPR was performed by NSW Ambulance paramedics on the helicopter pad.

A Toll ambulance helicopter pulled the third man from the water, also landing alongside the chopper pad.

All three were pronounced dead at the scene. They have not been formally identified.

NSW Ambulance Geoff Senior said the incident has been “hard” on the emergency crews called out to the scene.

“Three people went out on a nice day on a boat and they haven't come back to their loved ones, so it’s a tragedy and it’s hard on the paramedics that have a technical and professional job to do but also will feel for people as well,” he said.

Green dye was released into the sea to determine the direction of the swell and current.

A large emergency services presence remained at the scene throughout the afternoon.

Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command have launched an investigation into the incident.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.