A male and female have been found deceased in a car that left the road and entered the Macleay River at Smithtown just after 11am today. 

The names of the deceased are not being released at this time out of respect for the family.

Divers from Sydney located the vehicle beneath the surface of the water at a depth of four meters at around 4pm.

The two bodies were removed from the vehicle before it was lifted out of the river by crane.

Investigations will now continue to determine how and why the vehicle ended up in the river.

A report will also be prepared for the coroner.

Update 2.45pm

Rescue divers from Sydney are expected to arrive in Smithtown by helicopter at 4pm to begin the search for potential passengers after a car plunged into the river at Smithtown this morning.

Police believe the vehicle was attempting a U-turn when it left the road and entered the Macleay River.

1.15pm

A rescue operation is underway after a car was found submerged in a river in Smithtown this morning.

Police have been told the vehicle was travelling on Croads Esplanade, Smithtown, about 15km north east of Kempsey, when it left the road and went into the water about 11.10am.

It is unknown how many occupants were in the vehicle.

The rescue operation involves officers from Mid North Police District, NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue and Maritime NSW.

No further details are available at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800-333-000.