Three dead in boating accident in NSW Northern Rivers
Three people have died and four others have washed ashore following a boating accident in the waters off the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
NSW Police said emergency services were called at around 6.15pm on Monday by a member of the public who reported a yacht experiencing trouble off the South Ballina breakwall.
“A crew from Marine Rescue NSW responded but their vessel rolled over while passing Ballina Bar in severe conditions,” police said in a statement.
“Three people are now confirmed dead, four have reached shore; it is unknown how many people were on the yacht. The yacht is currently believed to have sunk.”
Police are at the scene and search and rescue efforts are being carried out by the Maritime Field Command.
It was learned that the 4 injured people were taken under control by medical teams, but their injuries were not life-threatening.
AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) Challenger jet and Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Lismore are assisting in the search.
A local man said on social media that he had “never seen” so many emergency vehicles pass by his house after living there for 10 years.
More to come
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Sarah McPhee is the Nightly Home Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
