Two volunteers among three dead off NSW coast after rescue boat rolls while trying to help sinking yacht | New South Wales
Two marine volunteers who died while attempting a dangerous rescue mission were commemorated for their courage and heroism.
The men were deployed as part of the six-man Sea Rescue New South Wales team on Monday night after a good Samaritan spotted a yacht in distress near the breakwater at South Ballina in the state’s north.
But police said on Tuesday that conditions were “extremely difficult” and the rescue ship soon capsized as it battled 2.5-metre waves and strong winds.
While four members of the team reached shore, the body of a 78-year-old rescuer was retrieved by helicopter and the body of a 62-year-old volunteer was found dead on the sand. Both were Ballina locals.
“These guys are heroes,” said Joe McNulty, NSW police marine area commander.
“They volunteered their lives to save others, and last night they set out to a ship in distress in difficult sea conditions to save the life of another man.”
The body of a man in his 50s, who was on the sinking yacht and whose identity has not yet been officially determined, was found washed ashore without a life jacket.
The four surviving volunteers (ages 55, 75 and two 61 years old) suffered minor injuries and were hospitalized, but all are expected to make a full recovery.
Conditions were “extremely dangerous” when rescuers went out to sea, McNulty said. The swell and winds had created a wave that was difficult to navigate, maneuver and enter the river system.
The rescue boat capsized, some volunteers were thrown overboard while others were trapped in the hull of the boat.
Meanwhile, the endangered yacht hit the breakwater, causing it to break apart and sink.
Conditions in the area remain challenging but the NSW police dive team will consider entering the waters later in the week to collect evidence as part of the investigation.
The search was called off because police did not believe anyone else was on the yacht.
NSW Premier Chris Minns paid tribute to the volunteers and thanked them for their service. “Emergency room workers do an incredible job keeping us safe in difficult circumstances,” he said.
“It is integral to the Australian character to do this for your neighbour, for your community member… but it is a very challenging time for this wonderful organisation.
“I want to pay tribute to their heroism, their courage, their public awareness, and let them know that the people of NSW are in their corner today.”
Asked whether the boat used by the rescue team, the Ballina 30, was up to the task, McNulty said it was “very well built” and had been designed in NSW for the state’s conditions.
When it capsized, all crews were initially searching for other survivors, further complicating the situation, McNulty said.
Police were assisted by an Australian Maritime Safety Authority Challenger jet and a Westpac rescue helicopter from Lismore.
A Marine Rescue NSW spokesman said it was a terrible night for the organisation. “Our focus right now is on supporting the families of those affected and our volunteers,” he said.
