Police have confirmed that a man has died after a boat capsized at Ballina earlier today.
About 8.45am today, (Tuesday 13 April), emergency services were called to Lighthouse Parade, East Ballina, following reports two people were in the water after a boat had capsized while crossing the Ballina Bar.
Police, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, Surf Lifesaving NSW and the Westpac Helicopter commenced a rescue operation.
A short time later, a 17-year-old boy assisted a 90-year-old man to shore.
A member of the public commenced CPR on the older man until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived but he died at the scene.
The boy was not injured.
Officers from Richmond Police District established a crime scene and commenced in inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Was the tiny yacht coming in or going out ?
Either choice was the wrong choice!
I witnessed it all from a distance , Such a small vessel in a dangerous bar .
What posted them ? I’ve been in & out of Ballina in 45’ plus trawlers & I would have come across that bar today !
Let’s wait for the coronial when we will learn what led to the tragedy and stop premature speculation. Peter Warner was an exceptionally experienced yachtsman and many yachts of similar size cross that difficult bar safely. My sympathy to his friends and family and let’s also thank his young crew for attempting a rescue.
Perhaps the chap a bit old for this caper.