Story updated at 9am, Tuesday, May 5
The search operation at Ballina has been suspended this morning after the fatal boating incident in waters off South Ballina break wall last night.
About 6.15pm, yesterday, Monday, May 4, Marine Rescue NSW with six crew members responded to the yacht in distress however, their vessel capsized while crossing the Ballina Bar in heavy conditions.
Police have found the body of a man, believed to be aged in his 50s, on the sand nearby. He is yet to be formally identified.
The body of one crew member, aged 78, was recovered by the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter while a second, aged 62, was located on the sand.
Four further crew members – aged 55, 75 and two aged 61 – made it to shore and were treated by paramedics for various injuries before being taken to hospital for further treatment.
The search has been suspended because police believe no other people were on board the yacht.
Original story published May 4
Police confirmed that three people are dead, while four people made it to shore after a yacht and rescue boat got into difficulties off Ballina yesterday, Monday, May 4.
Emergency services were contacted at 6.15pm after a yacht was reported 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.
Two of the people who died were Marine Rescue volunteers.
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.
At about 7.30am, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter airlifted a man with injuries who was clinging to a piece of debris in the water. The man was flown to a nearby park and he was treated by paramedics and then was taken to Lismore Base Hospital.
This information was provided by NSW Police and emergency services.