Three people are confirmed dead, while four people have made it to shore after two vessels got into difficulties off Ballina this evening.
Emergency services were contacted about 6.15pm (Monday 4 May 2026), after a member of the public reported a yacht appeared 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.
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.
Tweed Heads Water Police and general duties officers from Richmond Police District are on scene, with the search and rescue effort being coordinated by Marine Area Command from their Balmain headquarters.
The four people injured are being checked by NSW Ambulance paramedics, but none are believed to have life-threatening injuries.
Additional assistance will be provided by the AMSAR Challenger jet and Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Lismore.
The search continues.
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.
