Police update on fatal yacht incident off Ballina coast as harrowing details emerge from the rescue operation

Emergency crews were called about 6.15pm on Monday evening when a member of the public spotted a yacht in trouble at the South Ballina break wall.

A Marine Rescue NSW boat responded but rolled while crossing the Ballina Bar in rough seas.

‘Three people are confirmed deceased, while four made it to shore,’ a NSW Police spokesperson said.

‘It’s unknown how many people were on the yacht. It’s believed the yacht has now sunk.’

Paramedics have treated the four injured who are expected to recover.

An AMSA Challenger jet was circling the area late on Monday night.

The search is expected to continue on Tuesday with assistance from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Lismore.

The notorious Ballina break water (pictured) where the two boats got into trouble

Another boat sunk at the Ballina break water in January this year, which is notorious for shifting sands, strong tidal flows and large ocean swells.

‘The entrance to the Richmond River at Ballina has long carried a reputation as one of the most dangerous river bars on the Australian coast,’ Marine Rescue NSW wrote in March.

Three dead in boating accident off NSW coast

Three people have died and four others have made it ashore after a boating accident in waters off NSW’s Northern Rivers region.

Emergency services were called about 6.15pm on Monday by a member of the public who reported a yacht which appeared to be in difficulties off the South Ballina break wall, NSW Police said.

“A crew from Marine Rescue NSW responded; however, their vessel rolled while crossing the Ballina Bar in heavy conditions,” a police statement said.

“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.”

Police are at the scene and a search and rescue is being coordinated by Marine Area Command.

The four injured people were being checked by paramedics, but are not believed to have life-threatening injuries.

The AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) Challenger jet and Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Lismore are assisting the search.

One local man, in a post on social media, said he had “never seen” so many emergency service vehicles go past his home after living there for 10 years.

Three dead, search under way after northern NSW boating tragedy

Police said three people died and four made it to shore but it was unclear how many had been on the yacht.

Water police and general duties officers are on scene as Marine Area Command coordinates a search helped by the AMSAR Challenger jet and Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Lismore.

Paramedics were checking the four people who made it to shore but police said none of them were believed to have life-threatening injuries.