Thursday, 12 March 2026 01:11:27 PM.
An investigation is underway after a man and woman died when a boat capsized in the Northern Rivers region this morning.
Just after 6am (Thursday 12 March 2026), emergency services were called to the Yamba Breakwater following reports a boat had capsized when crossing the Yamba coastal bar.
The NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command coordinated a response involving Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW Ambulance, and officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District.
A 52-year-old man was pulled from the water and taken to Maclean District Hospital for assessment and mandatory testing.
A short time later, a woman was pulled from the water by a member of the public, while a second man was located by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and recovered by Marine Rescue NSW. Both were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, they died at the scene.
While yet to be formally identified, they are both believed to be aged in their 50s.
An investigation into the incident is underway by the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command.
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.
