Three people have died after a boating accident at Ballina on the northern NSW coast, with a search continuing for survivors.
Two of those who died were volunteers from the local Marine Rescue Unit.
Emergency services were contacted about 6:15pm on Monday, after a member of the public reported a yacht having difficulties off the South Ballina breakwall.
Marine Rescue NSW responded, but its vessel rolled as it crossed the Ballina Bar in rough conditions.
The region’s rescue helicopter joined the search for survivors. (Supplied: Nick Duffy)
Superintendent Joe McNulty of the NSW Police Marine Area Command paid tribute to the volunteers from the Ballina Marine Rescue Unit, describing conditions on the bar as “treacherous”.
“We need to remember and reflect on the heroic actions of this crew overnight,” he said.
“These people do a fantastic job, volunteers in the community and putting their life at risk to go and save another vessel that was stricken and in danger.”
“The search still continues for possibly another person off that yacht that has broken up and sunk.”
In an early statement, NSW Police said three people had died.
One man had to be winched to safety by a rescue helicopter and was treated for chest injuries.
Three other people made it to shore without assistance and were taken to the Lismore Base Hospital for observation.
“That Marine Rescue boat had six crew members on it last night, and thankfully those other members are well with minor injuries in hospital and being kept there for precautionary reasons,” Superintendent McNulty said.
Ballina Marine Rescue responded to the tragedy. (ABC North Coast: Lachie McLeod)
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has paid tribute to the volunteers, saying they put their own lives at risk to help others.
“I think it’s important that we remember everybody’s family and friends at this time,” she said.
“This will be a shocking experience for all of those, but also for a community like Ballina.
“It is a close-knit community, and they will really be feeling this today.”
It is unknown how many people were on the yacht, which police now believe has sunk.
There is a history of boating drama on and around the Richmond River bar during heavy seas.
The latest coastal water forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology shows a 2–3 metre easterly swell in the area.
Superintendent McNulty said conditions remained hazardous.
“The seas are still up, it is an active search area, there is a lot of debris that has broken up overnight that we located on beaches north and south of Ballina,” he said.
“The seas are too rough to salvage the vessel today, so we’re looking at when the seas will abate to allow police divers to enter the water and attempt some type of salvage operation.
“The police investigation at the moment is looking at whether that vessel had another crew member on board.”
Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the situation was “heartbreaking”.
“It’s our priority to support those affected and for recognising the bravery of our volunteers,” she said.
“They show this courage and commitment, they face the challenging and dangerous conditions as responders, and all they were doing was acting with their normal professionalism and bravery to save lives.
“These volunteers, they’re an essential part of our community and we’re deeply, deeply grateful for their service.”
Tweed Heads Water Police and general duties officers from Richmond Police District are on scene.
Marine Area Command is conducting a search-and-rescue effort from its Balmain headquarters.
Additional assistance will be provided by the AMSA Challenger jet and the Rescue Helicopter from Lismore.