Two people escaped safely after a yacht ran aground on Flat Rock off Skennars Head earlier tonight.

Emergency services were alerted shortly after 6.15pm following reports the 41-foot yacht had struck the reef and was taking on water.

Initial information indicated two people were onboard, including an elderly man with mobility issues. 

An emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) was reportedly activated.

The vessel is understood to have been travelling from the Gold Coast to Ballina when the incident occurred.

Marine Rescue Ballina was notified of the grounding but was unable to deploy a vessel, with the unit still awaiting a replacement offshore rescue boat following the loss of BA30.

Fortunately, conditions were relatively calm at the time.   Sea swell was reported at less than one metre, while the tide was around the midpoint of its cycle at approximately one metre.

NSW Ambulance later confirmed no patients required transport to hospital, indicating both occupants were able to make it ashore safely.

Ballina News Daily understands the two occupants were assisted from the stranded yacht by nearby recreational fishermen, who helped bring them safely ashore before emergency services arrived.

The 41ft yacht remained lodged on the rock shelf just as final light diminished.  Photos: Paul Stanley-Jones

Their actions are believed to have played a key role in ensuring both occupants reached land unharmed.

Information relayed by eye witnesses from the scene suggested witnesses on Sharpes Beach had been monitoring the yacht’s progress before the grounding.

According to accounts provided to emergency responders, the yacht was sailing unusually close to the southern end of Sharpes Beach, prompting concern among onlookers that it might run aground.

Witnesses reportedly told emergency personnel they were surprised when the vessel later altered course and headed east towards Flat Rock, where it ultimately became stranded.

The same witnesses are understood to have made the initial Triple Zero call after observing the vessel’s predicament.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to the scene, while a rescue helicopter was reportedly dispatched before turning back near Skennars Head after it became apparent the occupants were safely ashore.

While Tuesday night’s incident ended without injury, it highlighted the temporary gap in offshore rescue capability off Ballina and Lennox Head while Marine Rescue Ballina awaits a replacement vessel.

The yacht remained stranded on the reef late Tuesday night. Maritime authorities are expected to assess the vessel on Wednesday morning and determine whether it can be safely salvaged or refloated.

The extent of damage to the vessel is not yet known.