A search operation has been suspended this morning after a fatal boating incident in waters off Ballina last night.
About 6.15pm (Monday 4 May 2026), emergency services responded after reports a yacht appeared to be in difficulties off the South Ballina break wall.
Officers from Richmond Police District attended and found the body of a man, believed to be aged in his 50s, on the sand nearby. He is yet to be formally identified.
Marine Rescue NSW with six crew members responded, however, their vessel capsized while crossing the Ballina Bar in heavy conditions.
The body of one crew member, aged 78. was recovered by the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter while a second, aged 62, was located on the sand.
Four further crew members – aged 55, 75 and two aged 61 - made it to shore and were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for various injuries before being taken to hospital for further treatment.
It was unknown how many people were on the yacht at the time, which has since sunk.
Officers from Tweed Heads Marine Area Command and Richmond Police District conducted a coordinated search with the assistance of NSW Ambulance paramedics, State Emergency Service (SES), Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter and AMSA Challenger jet.
The search was suspended overnight due to weather conditions, however, recommenced this morning (Tuesday 5 May 2026).
The search has since been suspended after inquiries indicate that no other persons were on board the yacht at the time.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
