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Heroic Volunteers Die in Australian Yacht Rescue Disaster
5 May
Summary
- Two rescue volunteers and a third man died when a yacht sank.
- A Marine Rescue boat capsized in treacherous 8-foot swells.
- Four other crew members survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
A catastrophic incident off the coast of Australia resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including two dedicated Marine Rescue volunteers. The tragedy unfolded on Monday, May 4, when reports surfaced of a yacht in distress near South Ballina. A Marine Rescue New South Wales vessel was dispatched to assist, but battled severe conditions, leading to its capsizing.
Tragically, two rescuers, aged 78 and 62, perished. The body of the older rescuer was recovered by helicopter, while the younger was found on the shore. A third man, in his 50s, also died. The yacht is believed to have broken apart after hitting a wall and sinking.
Four other crew members, aged between 55 and 75, survived the ordeal and were treated for injuries before being taken to the hospital. Marine Rescue Commissioner Todd Andrews called the event "the darkest night in Marine Rescue history," highlighting the heroic efforts of the volunteers who risked their lives.
