An elderly man in his 70s died and his friend swum 400m to shore after the boat they were in capsized near Wellingtons Days Bay.
Emergency services were unable to revive the Upper Hutt man on Sunday, just after 4pm, after the small boat the pair had been fishing in began taking on water on the east side of Wellington Harbour, between Days and Sunshine Bay.
Police Maritime Unit sergeant Richard Kennedy said the surviving man was wearing a life jacket and made it 400m to shore by kicking, and received medical treatment.
He said an investigation is ongoing into how the other man died.
READ MORE:* One person dead after small boat capsized in Days Bay, Lower Hutt
His death has been referred to the coroner.
A witness told Stuff he saw emergency services staff performing CPR on the man on the Days Bay wharf.
Coastguard, Wellington Free Ambulance and a Westpac rescue helicopter also attended.
Kennedy said the incident comes as a reminder for all boat users to check the weather forecast, ensure all safety equipment is in good condition, has been checked and fits appropriately, and to always carry two forms of waterproof communication.
Police have since recovered the boat.
