Three Dead as Search Efforts Intensify Following Boating Tragedy in Northern NSW

A concerned citizen contacted emergency services around 6:15 pm, reporting that a yacht was in distress near the South Ballina break wall.

According to police, a crew from Marine Rescue NSW arrived on the scene, but their vessel capsized while navigating the challenging conditions of the Ballina bar, and it is suspected that the yacht has sunk.

Authorities confirmed the tragic loss of three lives, while four individuals managed to reach the shore. However, the total number of passengers initially on the yacht remains uncertain.

The Marine Area Command is overseeing the ongoing search operation, supported by the AMSAR Challenger jet and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Lismore, with water police and general duties officers actively present at the site.

Paramedics are assessing the condition of the four survivors who reached land, though police have indicated that none of their injuries appear to be life-threatening.