Three people are confirmed dead, while four people have made it to shore after two vessels got into difficulties off Ballina on Monday evening.
Emergency services were contacted about 6.15pm (Monday, 4 May, 2026), after a member of the public reported a yacht appeared to be in difficulties off the South Ballina break wall.
A crew from Marine Rescue NSW responded; however, their vessel rolled while crossing the Ballina Bar in heavy conditions.
‘At this time, three people are confirmed deceased, while four made it to shore; it’s unknown how many people were on the yacht. It’s believed the yacht has now sunk,’ state the NSW Police.
‘Tweed Heads Water Police and general duties officers from Richmond Police District are on scene, with the search and rescue effort being coordinated by Marine Area Command from their Balmain headquarters.
‘The four people injured are being checked by NSW Ambulance paramedics, but none are believed to have life-threatening injuries.
The Echo understands Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year, Geoff Hutchison, was one who was seriously injured in the tragedy.
Minister and local members comment
NSW Minister for Emergency Services (Labor), Jihad Dib, said in a statement, ‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that we mourn the loss of two brave Marine Rescue NSW crew members who have died in a tragic incident at Ballina.
‘Our emergency services are the first to rush to the rescue of people in danger and last night two of our courageous volunteers made the ultimate sacrifice.
‘Along with four of their crew mates, the volunteers were heading to the aid of a yacht in distress when their Marine Rescue NSW vessel capsized.
‘In difficult and dark conditions, additional emergency services then raced to their assistance.
‘Sadly, the mariner on board the yacht has also lost their life, and we offer our condolences to their family. Four of the Marine Rescue crew are receiving medical treatment, and we give heartfelt thanks for their safety and their courage throughout these terrible events.
‘The loss of these members of our emergency services is a tragedy for their families and friends, as well as the communities they helped protect. It is a loss that is deeply felt across all our emergency services, especially throughout the Marine Rescue family.
‘My heart goes out to their loved ones and fellow crew members at the Marine Rescue Ballina unit. Our thoughts and thanks are also with the emergency service members who came together to assist them. This is a very difficult and heart-breaking time for such a tight knit community’, he added.
MP Labor Justine Elliot
MP Labor Justine Elliot said, ‘My heart breaks for the families, friends, members of Marine Rescue, and all those devastated by the tragedy at Ballina last night’.
Ballina MP Tamara Smith
Kevin Hogan MP
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said, ‘This is a sad day for the Northern Rivers. My deepest condolences are with the families of the three people who were lost off the South Ballina breakwall last night’.
‘To lose two Marine Volunteer Rescuers in the line of duty is a 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 last night’s tragedy is a sobering reminder of the risks our first responders take to keep us safe.
‘I have been in contact with the Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, State Member for Ballina Tamara Smith, Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Mayor Cr Sharon Cadwallader.
‘Our priority is ensuring the survivors, the families of those we have lost and our local Marine Rescue Volunteers have all the support they need.
‘We are a resilient community, but today, we are a community in mourning’.
Commissioner Todd Andrews
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.
‘These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.
‘Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.
‘We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support,’ Commissioner Andrews said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.
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