Volunteer rescuers among three dead after boat capsizes off Australian coast – National
Three people have died, including two volunteer marine rescuers who were called to the scene, after a boat got stuck in choppy waters and capsized off the coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
The emergency team was dispatched after a bystander reported a vessel in distress near the South Ballina seawall in northern New South Wales at around 18:15 on Monday, state police told Global News in a statement.
It is not known how many people were on the boat, which sank, authorities said.
The boat was caught in treacherous conditions when it turned around, and the lifeboat overturned 2.5 meters to the east as it tried to cross the Ballina Bar, a 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 crew members, identified by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as Frank Petsch and Bill Ewen.
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“Sadly, 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 “tremendous loss” and said their passing was “a stark reminder of the dangers volunteers face serving their communities.”
“These two men worked for their community and sacrificed a lot to help others,” he added.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased, our fellow members, the brave broadcasters who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the entire Ballina community at this incredibly difficult time.”
Supt. Joe McNulty of the NSW Police Marine Area told the ABC it was “a very challenging rescue” and described the conditions as “tricky.” He said some seafarers were trapped on the ship, others were thrown overboard, before praising those who took part for their bravery.
Huge waves crash on the North Wall caused by Cyclone Alfred on March 4, 2025, in Ballina, Australia.
James D. Morgan/Getty Images
Four other crew members – aged 55, 75 and two aged 61 – came 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 a 78-year-old volunteer was recovered by the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter, while a 62-year-old volunteer was found dead on the beach, police said. Both were from the Ballina area, the ABC reported.
The body of the third victim, a 50-year-old man who has not been officially identified, was also found washed ashore without a jacket, according to an Australian news agency.
“That Marine Rescue boat had a crew of six last night, and thankfully those crew members are recovering from minor injuries at the hospital and are being held there for safety reasons,” McNulty said, according to ABC.
“These men are heroes,” he concluded.
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
