Heroes remembered: Tributes flow for Marine Rescue volunteers after Ballina Bar tragedy

Marine Rescue volunteers Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch are being remembered as heroes following their deaths in the Ballina Bar tragedy.

The two men died when their vessel capsized while responding to a yacht in distress off the Ballina Bar. The occupant of the yacht has also been confirmed dead as police investigations continue.

Ewen, 78, had served with Marine Rescue Ballina for almost a decade, joining the unit in February 2017.

Petsch, 62, joined the unit in January 2024 and had progressed to the role of coxswain.

Marine Rescue Ballina unit commander Peter Hill said both men would be remembered as heroes whose service to the community would not be forgotten.

“Bill loved getting on the boat, you practically needed a crowbar to get him off,” Hill said.

“He truly loved what he did, and we’re going to miss him terribly.

“Frank was someone who never hesitated. If something needed to be done, Frank would say ‘yes’.”

Hill said the loss had deeply affected the unit but thanked the community for its outpouring of support.

 

“We are hurting, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the support the community has shown us,” he said.

He also confirmed he had visited injured crew members in hospital, who remained in good spirits despite the ordeal.

In a statement, Ewen’s family described him as a devoted family man who took great pride in serving his community.

“Bill was a devoted family man who was incredibly proud to serve his community as a member of the Marine Rescue Ballina.

“We are devastated at the loss of a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, but take comfort from knowing that he passed doing something he loved. We are so proud of him.

“Our thoughts are with the entire crew and families involved, and we extend our sincere thanks to the first responders. We respectfully request privacy at this time to mourn our Bill.”

Tributes and messages of support have continued to flow across social media, with many describing the pair as selfless volunteers who died helping others.

 

“Not all heroes wear capes. I wish I could swap my life for their life,” Tony Fechner said.

“Condolences for loved ones of these unsung heroes,” Tony Burge said. As someone who loves boating I thank you for your service.”

“God bless these Aussie heroes who died volunteering to help fellow ocean lovers,” Fishing TV Australia said.

“Condolences to their families and friends, our hearts go out to you.”

Cherry Street Sports Club has started a donation drive and offered its message of support.

“It is hard to put into words what that kind of courage and selflessness really means.

“These were people who gave their time, asked for nothing, and always put others first.”

NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib visited the Marine Rescue Ballina unit, where support services are being made available to volunteers and their families.

Marine Rescue NSW commissioner Todd Andrews said efforts were underway to recover the rescue vessel as part of an ongoing investigation.

He said the main focus would remain on the people affected with mental health support widely available.

“The vessel will be salvaged by an independent contractor, and that process needs to be carried out very carefully,” he said.

“It will form part of a continued investigation involving NSW Police and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

“Our focus right now is on supporting our volunteers and the families of our fallen colleagues.”

Dib indicated that a replacement vessel would be funded with government support alongside local fundraising initiatives which are already underway.

Floral tributes were laid at the unit by Marine Rescue crew along with Richmond MP Justine Elliot and Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader.