Susanna Freymark
As the rescue community mourns the loss of two of their own, Marine Rescue NSW confirmed the two volunteers who died in Monday night’s rescue mission tragedy at Ballina.
They were 78 year old Bill Ewen and 62 year old Frank Petsch.
Bill was closing in on 10 years of service with Marine Rescue Ballina after joining in February 2017.
Frank joined the unit in January 2024 and progressed to the rating of coxswain (restricted).
Floral tributes were laid by Commissioner Todd Andrews, Unit Commander Peter Hill, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib and Justine Elliot MP at the Marine Rescue Ballina base today, Wednesday, May 6.
Marine Rescue Ballina Unit Commander Peter Hill said both men were heroes and their contribution to the local boating community will never be forgotten.
“Bill loved getting on the boat – for training and missions,” he said.
“You had to have a crowbar to get him off the boat.”
Frank was a yes-man, Mr Hill said.
“If you needed anything done, Frank would say yes. He was a very strong man.”
Mr Hill’s voice wavered with emotion as he said – “I can’t believe he is gone.”
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the impact of this (tragedy) was enormous.
“There are heroics people talk about,” he said.
“And there is truism. They gave their life for somebody else.”
Mr Dib said his heart and the heart of the State Government goes out to the families dealing with this “unimaginable grief”.
“The Marine Rescue family is wrapping their arms around them,” he said.
NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the men were ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
He said the Marine Rescue boat was being salvaged this afternoon by an independent contractor.
“That procedure needs to done carefully, the vessel will be part of the continuing investigation,” he said.
“Our concern right now is with the volunteers and the families of our fallen comrades.
“We’re doing everything we can to support them.”
Part of that support is making available a clinical psychologist who will be at the Marine Rescue base in Ballina for the next three days.
Bill’s family made a statement to the public.
“Bill was a devoted family man who was incredibly proud to serve his community as a member of the Marine Rescue Ballina.
We are devastated at the loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather, but take comfort from knowing that he passed doing something he loved. We are so proud of him.
Our thoughts are with the entire crew and families involved, and we extend our sincere thanks to the first responders. We respectfully request privacy at this time to mourn our Bill.”
Evans Head Marine Rescue said they stood alongside their fellow volunteers at Marine Rescue Ballina with heavy hearts.
“In times like these, the entire Marine Rescue family feels the loss together.
“These volunteers dedicated themselves to protecting others on the water, serving their community with courage, commitment and selflessness. Their contribution and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“From all of us at Marine Rescue Evans Head, we extend our love and support to every member of the Ballina unit and the wider Marine Rescue community during this incredibly difficult time.”