“The darkest night.” Marine Rescue NSW commissioner pays tribute to Ballina victims

Marine Rescue NSW commissioner Todd Andrews has paid tribute after two volunteers died when their vessel capsized responding to a distressed yacht off the Ballina Bar.

The yacht’s occupant has also been confirmed dead, with police locating his body on the sand near South Ballina on Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called about 6.15pm on Monday after reports a yacht was in difficulty off the break wall.

Police said the alert was raised by a member of the public who saw the vessel in trouble, with no distress call received and no emergency beacon activated.

 

 

A Marine Rescue NSW crew launched from Ballina to assist, but their vessel rolled while crossing the bar in heavy seas.

NSW Police Marine Area Command Superintendent Joe McNulty said the crew encountered challenging conditions at the bar, with a strong swell making the crossing difficult.

The two volunteers, aged 78 and 62, died during the response, while four other crew members made it to shore with non life threatening injuries.

Superintendent McNulty said some crew members were thrown from the vessel when it capsized, while others were trapped inside before being rescued.

Police believe the man from the yacht, aged in his 50s, was the only person on board at the time.

The vessel is believed to have sunk, with specialist police expected to examine the site as part of the ongoing investigation.

 

 

Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“Last night was a tragic night for Marine Rescue New South Wales,” he said.

“Our volunteers answer the call for help on New South Wales waterways 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and last night, six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that.

“They launched with a single mission to save lives on the water and assisted a yacht in distress.

“Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response. They were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.”

 

 

Marine Rescue NSW is supporting its volunteers and their families through professional counselling services and chaplaincy support.

The organisation is also assisting NSW Police with their investigation.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, the fellow volunteer crew members, and the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during this incident,” Andrews said.

“The entire Marine Rescue New South Wales family, and the wider Ballina community, are grieving during this incredibly difficult time.

“Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue New South Wales, and I ask you all to please respect the privacy of those involved and their families during this difficult time.”

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib also paid tribute to the volunteers, acknowledging the risks faced by emergency crews responding to incidents on the water.

Flowers have been laid at the Ballina Marine Rescue tower by members of the community.

Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader left a card with a message of support, while Page MP Kevin Hogan also visited the site.

“We are all reminded again of the selfless actions of volunteers who put their life in danger to keep us safe,” he said.