Two volunteer marine rescuers, aged 78 and 62, have been confirmed dead after their rescue boat capsized while attempting to assist a sinking yacht off the coast of Ballina, New South Wales. The incident occurred on Monday night near the breakwater at south Ballina, where a good Samaritan had spotted the yacht in distress.
The rescue vessel, part of a six-person Marine Rescue NSW team, encountered extremely difficult conditions including a 2.5-metre swell and strong winds. The boat rolled over, ejecting some volunteers and trapping others in the hull. Four team members made it to shore, but the body of the 78-year-old was recovered by helicopter, and the 62-year-old was found dead on the sand. Both were Ballina locals.
The body of a man in his 50s, believed to be the yacht's occupant, was also found washed ashore without a lifejacket. He has not yet been formally identified. The four surviving volunteers, aged 55, 75, and two aged 61, sustained minor injuries and are hospitalised but expected to recover fully.
NSW Police Marine Area Command Superintendent Joe McNulty described the volunteers as heroes, stating they risked their lives to save another. The yacht itself hit the breakwall and broke apart, sinking. Search operations have been suspended as police believe no other people were onboard.
NSW Premier Chris Minns paid tribute to the volunteers, praising their courage and public-mindedness. A Marine Rescue NSW spokesperson said the organisation's focus is on supporting the affected families and volunteers. An investigation is underway, with a police dive team expected to recover evidence later in the week.
