Three people have died and four others made it to shore after two boats encountered wild conditions off the coast of Ballina in northern New South Wales.
Emergency Response
Emergency crews were called around 6:15 PM on Monday evening when a member of the public spotted a yacht in distress near the South Ballina break wall. A Marine Rescue NSW boat responded but rolled while crossing the Ballina Bar in rough seas.
'Three people are confirmed deceased, while four made it to shore,' a NSW Police spokesperson said. 'It is unknown how many people were on the yacht. It is believed the yacht has now sunk.'
Paramedics have treated the four injured individuals, who are expected to recover.
Search Operations
An AMSA Challenger jet was circling the area late on Monday night. The search is expected to continue on Tuesday with assistance from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter based in Lismore.
Dangerous Waters
The notorious Ballina breakwater, where the two boats got into trouble, has a history of perilous conditions. Another boat sank at the same location in January this year. The area is known for shifting sands, strong tidal flows, and large ocean swells.
'The entrance to the Richmond River at Ballina has long carried a reputation as one of the most dangerous river bars on the Australian coast,' Marine Rescue NSW stated in March.
