Ballina boat accident: Three dead, four rescued as search continues for other passengers
Three people are dead and a search is underway for other passengers after a yacht sank in Ballina overnight.
Three have died and four others have been rescued after a rescue boat flipped while trying to assist a struggling yacht near Byron Bay.
A distress call went out about 6pm on Monday after a yacht ran aground at the break wall in South Ballina.
When the marine rescue team arrived, the conditions were so choppy that the emergency boat flipped.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Police confirmed that three have died and four others were rescued.
The four rescued were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said they were yet to confirm how many people were on the yacht, and are searching for any others.
“It’s believed the yacht has now sunk,” police said.
“Additional assistance will be provided by the AMSAR Challenger jet and Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Lismore.”
Witnesses said conditions were dark and there was a large 5m swell in the water at the time of the boating tragedy, making it difficult for rescue crews to assist.
Originally published as Three dead, search under way after boat flips during rescue near Byron Bay
