At least three people, including two volunteers, have died after a yacht and a rescue boat encountered difficulties in rough waters off Ballina on the New South Wales (NSW) north coast.
According to the NSW Police Force, emergency services were contacted at about 6:15 p.m. on May 4 after a member of the public reported a yacht that appeared to be having difficulties off the South Ballina break wall.
Tragically, while en route to assist the yacht, the rescue vessel rolled in heavy conditions.
The body of one crew member, aged 78, was recovered by the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter, while a second volunteer, aged 62, was found on the sand.
Another man, believed to be in his 50s, was found on the sand and has yet to be formally identified.
The remaining rescuers, aged 55, 75 and two aged 61, were able to make it to shore. Authorities said the four people sustained various injuries but were not in life-threatening condition and were taken to hospital for further treatment.
The yacht is believed to have sunk in the incident.
A Marine Rescue NSW spokesman said it had been a terrible night for the organisation.
“Our focus right now is supporting the families of those affected and our volunteers,” he said in comments obtained by AAP.
Authorities have suspended the search for any additional missing people following inquiries that confirmed no other passengers were on the yacht at the time.
Tributes were paid by members of the Ballina community, alongside other marine organisations mourning their counterparts.
“Tragic news. Thoughts and deepest condolences to the families and mates of those lost,” wrote Vida Pirata Maritime Services, a business based in north Queensland.
“Respect and gratitude to marine rescue, water police, ambos and air crews who put themselves in the same conditions to respond.
“Fair winds to those who didn’t make it home.”
Ballina MP Tamara Smith said the news of the deaths had been shocking for the tight-knit community.
“I’m on my way back from parliament and have been briefed this morning by the police minister and the emergency services minister.
“Our agencies on the ground have worked tirelessly through the night and the search is still underway.”
The community has banded together in the wake of the tragedy, with local sports bar Cherry Street Sports Ballina contributing an initial $25,000 towards a fundraiser to replace Marine Rescue Ballina’s vessel.
“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.”
The business said the entire Ballina community was behind the rescue organisation.
“The goal is simple,” they said. “Help get a vessel back on the water so Marine Rescue can keep doing the job these two legends cared so much about.”
