Volunteers killed in Ballina Bar rescue identified

Marine Rescue NSW commissioner Todd Andrews has named the two volunteers killed in the Ballina Bar tragedy, describing it as the darkest night in the organisation’s history.

Bill Ewen, 78, and Frank Petsch, 62, died when their vessel capsized while responding to a yacht in distress off the Ballina Bar, with the yacht’s occupant also confirmed dead.

 

 

Flowers and tributes have been laid at the Ballina Marine Rescue tower, where members of the community, Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader and Page MP Kevin Hogan have paid their respects.

Emergency services were called about 6.15pm on Monday after a yacht was reported in trouble near the South Ballina break wall, with a Marine Rescue NSW crew of six launching to assist after the alarm was raised by a member of the public.

 

 

The crew were operating a purpose-built Ballina 30 rescue vessel when it capsized while crossing the bar in heavy seas.

NSW Police Marine Area Command Superintendent Joe McNulty said the crew encountered difficult conditions at the river entrance, with a strong swell building at the bar as the tide pushed in.

Some crew members were thrown into the water when the vessel capsized, while others were briefly trapped inside before being rescued.

Captain Geoff Hutchinson was at the helm of the vessel when it capsized and was among the four crew members who survived.

He was taken to hospital with a broken leg and other injuries.

 

 

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

Police located the body of the yacht’s occupant, a man aged in his 50s, on the sand near South Ballina on Tuesday morning.

Ewen was a long-time Marine Rescue NSW volunteer and had previously been recognised with a Commissioner’s Citation for his role in a past rescue.

Petsch was a qualified vessel operator who had also been involved in training volunteer crews along the North Coast.

 

 

The rescue vessel is believed to have sunk, with specialist police expected to examine the site, including a possible dive operation later this week, as part of the ongoing investigation.

“Last night was a tragic night for Marine Rescue New South Wales,” Andrews 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, while 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.

Cadwallader said the loss had been deeply felt across the Ballina community.

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

 

A fundraising campaign has also been launched to support Marine Rescue Ballina, with the Cherry Sports Group committing $25,000 to kickstart the appeal.

The fund aims to help replace the rescue vessel and support the organisation’s ongoing operations following the tragedy.

Donations can be made to Ballina Bowling & Recreation Club Ltd, BSB 032 591, account number 236790, using the reference ‘Marine Rescue’.

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