Community memorial honours lives lost in marine rescue tragedy

MARINE Rescue NSW hosted a community memorial service honouring boat crew volunteers who lost their lives in the Ballina Bar tragedy on 4 May.

The service paid tribute to volunteers Bill Ewen, 78, and Frank Petsch, 62 who died after their rescue boat overturned while responding to a distress call in treacherous sea conditions.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers at the community memorial service. Photo: Lyn McCarthy.

About 400 emergency services personal, volunteers and community members gathered for the event at memorial park.

The four surviving volunteer crew members, who sustained serious physical and emotional injuries, were also acknowledged during the ceremony.

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley praised the courage and dedication of the volunteers, while Marine Rescue NSW commissioner Todd Andrews honoured the men for their service.

Members of the Evans Head Marine Rescue unit at the ceremony. Photo: Lyn McCarthy.

“Heroes are often described by the actions they take in a single moment, but Bill and Frank’s legacy was built over years of selfless service, friendship, commitment, and care for others,” Andrews said.

“Our two comrades were lost, but they will never be forgotten. We honour them through every rescue; we honour them through every life saved.”

Marine Rescue unit commander Peter Hill thanked the Ballina community, neighbouring units and emergency services for the support shown to volunteers and their families.

Tony Mannering and Malcolm Johnson from the Alstonville Wollongbar Rural Fire Brigade. Photo: Lyn McCarthy

Ewen, originally from Scotland, volunteered with Marine Rescue Ballina for about a decade and was remembered for his commitment to helping others.

Petsch, who was born in Germany, had served with the unit for about three years and was known as a keen sailor, fitness instructor and dedicated volunteer.

Andrea Davies from the Brunswick Head Marine Rescue unit attended the memorial. Photo: Lyn McCarthy.

Marine Rescue NSW chaplain Alan Bates led a reflection and blessing before the official wreath-laying ceremony with the Governor.

“We know that on that night, commitment didn’t fail,” Beazley said.

“We know on that night that dedication didn’t fail. The training didn’t fail. We also know that on that night, courage shone,” he said.

An interim rescue vessel is expected to be delivered to Marine Rescue Ballina later this month to replace the one damaged in the rescue.

About 400 people attended the memorial service at Ballina. Photo: Lyn McCarthy.

It will remain in service until a permanent replacement vessel has been designed, built and delivered.

The previous BA 30 rescue vessel was funded through a combination of state government support, unit fundraising, contributions from local organisations and community donations.

Cherry Street Sports Club has raised just over $58,000 for the new vessel.