Susanna Freymark
As families and friends mourn those who died in the boating tragedy at Ballina, a fundraiser has already been set up to buy a new boat for Ballina Marine Rescue.
Two Marine Rescue volunteers, aged 78 and 62, died when the rescue boat overturned at the Ballina bar. A man from the yacht that was in distress has also died.
Read more about the rescue here.
Ballina News Daily reported that a fundraiser has been set to replace Marine Rescue Ballina 30 (BA30) that overturned in the heavy seas during the rescue. Read the story here.
Cherry Street Sports Club has set up the fundraiser and donated $25,000.
How you can donate
Donations to the Marine Rescue Ballina Boat Replacement Fund can be made via:
Ballina Bowling and Recreation Club Ltd
BSB: 032-591
Account Number: 236790
Or in person at Cherry Street Sports Club
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said four of the Marine Rescue crew were receiving medical treatment.
“We give heartfelt thanks for their safety and their courage throughout these terrible events,” Mr Dib said.
“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.
As the wider community feels this loss, Marine Rescue NSW is providing support to the volunteers’ families, unit members and the rescue community through its wellbeing and chaplaincy services.
Support for the community is also available through the 24/7 Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
For crisis support, call 13YARN (139 276) or Lifeline 13 11 14.