On Sunday, a memorial was unveiled at the RSL Memorial Park, next to the Ballina RSL, to pay tribute to those lost on the night of May 4 on the Ballina Bar.
Marine Rescue volunteers Frank Petsch and Bill Ewen, and yatchsman Matthew Clayton all died after Clayton attempted to cross the bar in heavy seas.
Around 200 people attended, and included representatives from Marine Rescue, Fire & Rescue, NSW Police and SES.
The Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC (pictured centre), referred to the events of the night of May 4 at the Ballina Bar as the worst tragedy in the history of the NSW Marine Rescue history. Photos Jeff Dawson.
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