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.
More to come
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Sarah McPhee is the Overnight Homepage Editor for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
