06 May 2026 – Marine Rescue NSW – Ballina 30 fatal rescue incident update
Marine Rescue NSW confirms the two volunteers from Marine Rescue Ballina who lost their lives in Monday night’s rescue mission tragedy were 78-year-old William (Bill) Ewen and 62-year-old Frank Petsch.
Bill Ewen was closing in on 10 years of service with Marine Rescue Ballina after joining in February 2017 and was a highly respected crew member.
Frank Petsch joined the unit in January 2024 and progressed to the rating of Coxswain (Restricted).
Marine Rescue Ballina Unit Commander Peter Hill said both men are heroes and their contribution to Service and the local boating community will never be forgotten and provided an updated on the volunteers in hospital.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib met with volunteers at the unit this morning.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews provided an update on rescue vessel BA 30 and ongoing unit support.
Floral tributes were also laid by Commissioner Todd Andrews, Unit Commander Peter Hill, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib and Member for Richmond Justine Elliot at the Marine Rescue Ballina base.
Statement from the family of William (Bill) Ewen
Bill was a devoted family man who was incredibly proud to serve his community as a member of the Marine Rescue Ballina.
We are devastated at the loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather, but take comfort from knowing that he passed doing something he loved. We are so proud of him.
Our thoughts are with the entire crew and families involved, and we extend our sincere thanks to the first responders. We respectfully request privacy at this time to mourn our Bill.
Flags are flying at half mast at Marine Rescue Ballina
Commissioner Todd Andrews, Unit Commander Peter Hill, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib and Member for Richmond Justine Elliot
05 May 2026 – Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW
Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.
Floral tributes are being laid at the Marine Rescue Ballina base
Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.
Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.
“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.
“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support,” Commissioner Andrews said.
For the coming days, on-water operations, including search and rescue missions will be supported by neighbouring Marine Rescue NSW units. The Marine Rescue Port Macquarie radio hub will manage radio communications for the area.
Marine Rescue NSW is assisting NSW Police with their investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragic incident, however our immediate focus remains on supporting those who have been affected.
We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer‑based, not‑for‑profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe across the state. Our 3,500 trained volunteers support communities through search and rescue operations, marine radio monitoring and boating safety education.
