A yacht was in difficulties off Ballina but a marine rescue vessel rolled while attempting to help. Photograph: Dave Hunt/AAPView image in fullscreenA yacht was in difficulties off Ballina but a marine rescue vessel rolled while attempting to help. Photograph: Dave Hunt/AAPThree die in boating tragedy off NSW coast after rescue boat rolls while trying to help sinking yachtThree people confirmed dead but four made it to shore after rescue went wrong in rough seas
Three people are dead after a marine rescue turned deadly.
NSW Police said four people made it to shore after two vessels became stricken in heavy conditions on Monday night.
Emergency services were contacted about 6.15pm when a yacht was reported to be in difficulties off the South Ballina break wall.
“A crew from Marine Rescue NSW responded however their vessel rolled while crossing the Ballina Bar in heavy conditions,” police said in a statement. “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.”
Four people were checked with NSW Ambulance paramedics but none were believed to have life-threatening injuries.
