Ask Onix
Tragedy strikes off Ballina as rescue mission turns fatal
Three people, including two volunteer rescuers, died after a yacht sank and a Marine Rescue NSW boat capsized in rough seas near South Ballina on Monday evening.
Timeline of the incident
Emergency services received a call at 18:15 local time on Monday after a witness reported a yacht in distress near the break wall in South Ballina, a coastal area near the New South Wales-Queensland border.
A six-person Marine Rescue NSW crew launched a rescue operation, but their vessel overturned while crossing the Ballina Bar in hazardous conditions. Two volunteers, aged 78 and 62, lost their lives.
Search and recovery efforts
The remaining four rescuers reached shore with minor injuries, and a search was suspended early Tuesday after all individuals were accounted for. The body of a third victim, a man in his mid-50s, was later found on the beach. Police confirmed he was not wearing a life jacket.
A rescue helicopter recovered the body of the 78-year-old volunteer, while the 62-year-old rescuer was found on the sand. The four surviving crew members, aged 55, 75, and two aged 61, were hospitalized for treatment.
Reactions from officials and community
"It has been a terrible night for Marine Rescue NSW, and our focus right now is supporting the families of those affected and our volunteers."
Marine Rescue NSW spokesperson
Commissioner Todd Andrews described the deaths as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by volunteers.
"These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others."
Todd Andrews, Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner
Superintendent Joe McNulty of NSW Police Marine Area Command called the conditions "treacherous" and praised the crew's bravery.
"We need to remember and reflect on the heroic actions of this crew overnight. These people do a fantastic job, volunteers in the community putting their lives at risk to save others."
Superintendent Joe McNulty, NSW Police Marine Area Command
A local resident, Margie Fitzgerald, told Nine's Today program the tragedy would deeply impact the tight-knit community.
"It affects the community when something like that happens, especially when a rescuer is lost and those people risk their lives to help others in difficulty."
Margie Fitzgerald, Ballina resident
Investigation and next steps
Police confirmed the yacht, which struck the break wall and broke apart, has since sunk. Divers may return to the scene on Thursday to gather evidence as authorities investigate how the vessel ended up so close to the break wall.
