Two marine volunteers were among three people killed after a rescue boat capsized while attempting to help a yacht in distress off the east coast of Australia. The incident occurred on Monday evening near Ballina, a coastal town in northern New South Wales.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services received a call at 6:15pm local time after a member of the public reported a yacht struggling near a breakwater in Ballina. Marine Rescue NSW dispatched six volunteers to assist. However, their rescue vessel capsized while crossing the Ballina bar in heavy conditions, according to state police.
Three people were confirmed deceased, while four made it to shore. The search was called off early Tuesday after all individuals were accounted for.
Victims Identified
The deceased rescuers were aged 78 and 62. The body of a third man, aged in his mid-50s, was found on the sand nearby. He was not wearing a life jacket and has not yet been identified.
Marine Rescue NSW expressed deep sorrow, stating: "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."
Hazardous Conditions
The Ballina bar is notoriously hazardous. Superintendent Joe McNulty explained that the crew departed in very severe conditions, encountering a 2.5-meter swell that heightened wave height and created difficult navigation. The vessel capsized, trapping some crew members in the hull.
McNulty praised the volunteers' heroism, saying: "These people do a fantastic job – volunteering in the community and putting their life at risk to go and save another vessel that was stricken and in danger."
Investigation Underway
Police reported that the yacht in distress hit a breakwall and broke apart before sinking. Divers may return on Thursday to recover evidence as authorities investigate how the yacht came so close to the breakwall.
Local resident Margie Fitzgerald told 9News that the tragedy would be felt across the close-knit community. Marine Rescue NSW commissioner Todd Andrews said the deaths were a reminder of the risks volunteers face, adding: "These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others."
NSW Premier Chris Minns paid tribute, saying: "Emergency service workers do an incredible job to keep us safe in difficult circumstances. I want to pay tribute to their heroism, their sense of courage, their public mindedness."
