Three people have died after a boating accident at Ballina on the northern NSW coast, with a search continuing for survivors.
Two of those who died were volunteers from the local Marine Rescue Unit.
Emergency services were contacted about 6:15pm on Monday, after a member of the public reported a yacht having difficulties off the South Ballina breakwall.
Marine Rescue NSW responded, but its vessel rolled as it crossed the Ballina Bar in rough conditions.
In an early statement, NSW Police said three people had died.
One man had to be winched to safety by a rescue helicopter and was treated for chest injuries.
Three other people made it to shore without assistance and were taken to the Lismore Base Hospital for observation.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has paid tribute to the volunteers, saying they put their own lives at risk to help others.
“I think it’s important that we remember everybody’s family and friends at this time,” she said.
“This will be a shocking experience for all of those, but also for a community like Ballina.
“It is a close-knit community, and they will really be feeling this today.”
It is unknown how many people were on the yacht, which police now believe has sunk.
There is a history of boating drama on and around the Richmond River bar during heavy seas.
The latest coastal water forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology shows a 2–3 metre easterly swell in the area.
Tweed Heads Water Police and general duties officers from Richmond Police District are on scene.
Marine Area Command is conducting a search-and-rescue effort from its Balmain headquarters.
Additional assistance will be provided by the AMSA Challenger jet and the Rescue Helicopter from Lismore.
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