One man has died and the other released from hospital

A 48-year-old man has died following a tragic boating accident on Wallis Lake while his 37-year-old companion has been released from hospital.

Earlier today, Thursday, August 20, emergency services were called to Coomba Road, Whoota, about 10 kilometres northwest of Boomerang Beach, following reports a boat had sunk the previous evening.

The pair remained in the chilly waters of Wallis Lake throughout the evening, clinging to part of the vessel and other floatation devices before making it to shore in the early hours of the morning.

The younger man flagged down a passing motorist, who assisted the two men before calling emergency services.

Both men were taken to Manning Base Hospital, where the 48-year-old died earlier today.

The younger man was released earlier this afternoon.

The vessel has been located and retrieved by NSW Marine Rescue and NSW Maritime

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

EARLIER:

Two men were earlier this morning transported by road ambulance to Manning Base Hospital, Taree following a boating accident in the Pacific Palms area.

At around 5am, Thursday, August 20 the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the area following reports a boat capsized yesterday, Wednesday, August 19, evening in Wallis Lake

The men were located just after 5am on shore at Coomba Bay after floating in the lake for 11 hours after their fishing vessel had sunk.

One of the men had managed to flag down a passing vehicle before being taken to Pacific Palms by Ambulance NSW.

Suffering hypothermia and exposure, the men were treated by an aircraft critical care paramedic, doctor and Ambulance NSW crews at Pacific Palms before being taken to Taree.

According to a Westpac Rescue Helicopter spokesperson, they were both in a critical condition.

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