Two volunteers among three dead off NSW coast after rescue boat rolls while trying to help sinking yacht
Three people have died, including two marine rescue volunteers, after a rescue boat capsized while attempting to assist a sinking yacht in rough seas off the Ballina coast in northern New South Wales. Four others survived and made it to shore, while a search continues for one person still believed missing. Emergency services, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Westpac Rescue Helicopter, assisted in the operation.
- ▪Two marine rescue volunteers were among the three people who died during the rescue attempt.
- ▪The incident occurred at the Ballina bar in northern New South Wales when a rescue vessel rolled in heavy seas while responding to a distressed yacht.
- ▪Four people reached shore and were treated by NSW Ambulance, though none had life-threatening injuries.
- ▪Police and the Marine Area Command are leading the ongoing search for one missing person.
- ▪The Australian Maritime Safety Authority Challenger jet and Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Lismore supported the rescue operation.
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Three people are dead after a yacht rescue went tragically wrong in rough seas off the Ballina coastal bar. Photograph: Nsw Gov/AAPView image in fullscreenThree people are dead after a yacht rescue went tragically wrong in rough seas off the Ballina coastal bar. Photograph: Nsw Gov/AAPNew South WalesTwo volunteers among three dead off NSW coast after rescue boat rolls while trying to help sinking yachtThree people confirmed dead but four made it to shore after rescue went wrong in rough seas Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Australian Associated PressMon 4 May 2026 17.18 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 18.43 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleTwo marine rescue volunteers have died as they sought to…
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