Two volunteer lifeboat crew members lost their lives after their rescue vessel overturned in rough seas while responding to a distressed yacht off eastern Australia, police confirmed on May 5.
Authorities also reported the recovery of a third body from a nearby shoreline, with the deceased yet to be formally identified.
The incident occurred on the evening of May 4 near a breakwater off Ballina, a coastal town located about eight hours’ drive north of Sydney, after a yacht ran into difficulty and struck the structure.
Six rescue personnel had been dispatched to assist the stricken vessel when their lifeboat capsized in what officials described as “extremely treacherous” ocean conditions, with waves reaching approximately 2.5 metres.
New South Wales police superintendent Joe McNulty explained the sequence of events, stating: “Some of the Marine Rescue crew were trapped in the hull. Some were ejected from the vessel and, unfortunately, two lives have been lost.”
The deceased crew members, both volunteers, were aged 62 and 78.
Police further confirmed that the yacht involved in the incident had collided with the breakwater and subsequently broken apart amid the severe weather conditions.
A third body, believed to be that of a man in his mid-50s, was later discovered on the beach near the scene and is awaiting formal identification.
An official investigation has since been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Reacting to the loss, Marine Rescue New South Wales head Todd Andrews described the event as unprecedented in its severity for the organisation.
“Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue New South Wales,” he said.
“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.”
