Volunteer rescue teams among 3 dead after yacht capsizes off Australian coast – National

Three people have died, including two volunteer marine rescue workers who were called to the scene, after a yacht got stuck in choppy waters and capsized off the coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

An emergency response team was deployed after a bystander reported a vessel in distress near the South Front breakwater in New South Wales at around 6:15pm local time on Monday, state police said in a statement to Global News.

It was not known how many people were on the yacht, which has since sunk, authorities said.

The boat was caught in treacherous conditions when it capsized and the lifeboat overturned in a 2.5m easterly swell as it tried to cross Ballina Bar, a very dangerous entrance to the Richmond River, police said.

Commissioner Todd Andrews of Marine Rescue NSW confirmed in a statement on Tuesday the death of two of her team members, identified by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as Frank Petsch and Bill Ewen.

“Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response,” he said.

Andrews called the deaths of 62-year-old Petsch and 78-year-old Ewen “a devastating loss” and said their deaths were a “solemn reminder of the dangers faced by volunteers serving their communities”.

“These two men were serving their local community and made the ultimate sacrifice to help others,” he added.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, the other crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.”

Supt. Joe McNulty of the NSW Police Marine Zone told the ABC it was a “very challenging rescue” and described the conditions as “treacherous”. He said some maritime rescue staff were trapped in the hull while others jumped overboard, before praising those involved for their heroic efforts.

Four other crew members – aged 55, 75 and two aged 61 – made it ashore and were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for various injuries before being taken to hospital for further treatment, New South Wales police said.

The body of the 78-year-old rescue volunteer was removed by the Westpac Lifesaver helicopter and the 62-year-old volunteer was found dead on the shore, police said. Both were natives of Ballina, ABC reported.

The body of a third victim, a man in his 50s who has not been officially identified, was also found washed ashore without a life jacket, according to the Australian News Agency.

“That Marine Rescue boat had six crew members on it last night, and thankfully those other crew members are doing well with minor injuries in the hospital and are being held there as a precaution,” McNulty said, according to ABC.

“These people are heroes,” he concluded.

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