Yesterday, volunteers from Marine Rescue Ballina held a private ceremony on the shore of South Ballina Beach to honour fellow unit members Frank Petsch and Bill Ewen, who lost their lives during a rescue mission response on Monday 4 May, 2026.
Marine Rescue NSW Ballina Unit Commander Peter Hill said the ceremony to float the flowers left in honour of Bill and Frank at the unit tower was a moving and important tribute to two wonderful men.
‘The tragedy has been felt across the world. In Australia, we’ve been uplifted by the personal video message from the Governor-General, emergency services, members of parliament and Marine Rescue NSW units across the state. The impact has been staggering,’ he said.
‘In Ballina and the Northern Rivers region, we have been overwhelmed by the love, goodwill and offers of help from our community. The beautiful flowers laid at the tower and on the wall, with their kind words, have touched our hearts. The cheerful poster from the Biala schoolchildren made us smile.
‘We will ensure that the families themselves see the messages of condolence and imagery of the floral tributes, hoping that it may comfort them in the difficult times ahead,’ Unit Commander Hill said.
Recovery
One crew member remains in hospital, while two others were released last Friday and Saturday. They are continuing to recover at home.
Marine Rescue Ballina says it’s grateful for the fundraising effort driven by the Cherry Street Sports Club. Donation details can be found on the Cherry Street Sports Ballina Facebook page.
The family of Frank Petsch has released the following statement:
‘Frank was larger than life to many people, but at home he was exactly the same… he made us laugh constantly. He was solid, intelligent and supportive, and the person who was always there when he was needed.
‘Thank you all so much for your kind words, messages, flowers and support following the loss of Frank — husband, father and grandfather.
‘Your care, memories and kindness have meant more to us than we can put into words. We haven’t yet finalised arrangements for a funeral or memorial, but we will share that information once we have. We also appreciate the care you have taken to respect our privacy at this time.’
Vale Matthew Clayton
Peter Hill also said he wanted to acknowledge the death of the solo yachtsman Matthew Clayton, and offer the community’s sorrow at his passing.
Mr Clayton’s yacht remains sunk. It is understood that inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the yacht’s movements are ongoing under Strike Force Corta and that the matter is now before the coroner.
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin recognised the ‘tragedy that is being felt right across our region’.
‘I know our local crew from Ballina and have seen firsthand the selflessness and skill they bring to every call-out. These volunteers are our neighbours and friends.
‘The Richmond River bar is a formidable one, and this tragedy is a sobering reminder of the risks our first responders take to keep us safe,’ she said.
The Marine Rescue vessel has been retrieved and will be part of the continuing investigation that will be done by both the New South Wales Police Marine Area Command and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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