Three Dead In Ballina Rescue Attempt Gone Wrong

In the softly lit, HD webcast that had two of Queensland’s favourites doing their state proud, it was easy to forget what the ocean was doing just beyond recreational paddling distance.

Past the border, in Northern NSW, it was something else entirely.

At approximately 6:15pm on Monday, emergency services were alerted to a yacht in distress off the South Ballina break wall. A six-person crew from Marine Rescue NSW launched to assist. Attempting to cross the Ballina Bar in heavy, choppy conditions, their vessel capsized.

By morning, three people were confirmed dead, including two of the volunteers.

A man in his mid-50s was found on the sand nearby. Police say he was not wearing a life jacket. One rescue crew member, aged 78, was retrieved by helicopter. Another, aged 62, was located on shore. Four other crew members — aged 55, 75, and two aged 61 — made it to shore with non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital.

The yacht, which reportedly struck the break wall and broke apart, has since sunk.

The search was suspended overnight due to worsening conditions before resuming Tuesday morning. Authorities have since called it off, confirming all crew have been accounted for.

“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,” a spokesperson said Tuesday.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews called the deaths a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others,” he said.

NSW Police Marine Area Command Superintendent Joe McNulty described the conditions as “treacherous.”

“We need to remember and reflect on the heroic actions of this crew overnight,” he said of the crew, who put their own lives at risk to save others in danger.

Marine Rescue volunteers aren’t paid. They stop whatever they’re doing and go because someone has to. On most occasions, tragedies like these are avoided because of their willingness to act.