A man has been charged following a police investigation into a fatal boat capsize at the Yamba bar earlier this year that claimed the lives of two people.

Emergency services were called to the Yamba Breakwall shortly after 6am on March 12 after reports a recreational vessel had capsized while attempting to cross the notoriously dangerous coastal bar.

A major rescue operation involving the NSW Police Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW Ambulance and officers from the Coffs/Clarence Police District was launched.

A 52-year-old man was pulled from the water and taken to Maclean District Hospital for assessment and mandatory testing.

Despite the rescue effort, a 52-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man were later recovered from nearby waters. Both were treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Following a lengthy investigation, detectives from the Marine Area Command have charged the 52-year-old man with two counts of operating a recreational vessel negligently causing death or grievous bodily harm.

He has been issued with a Court Attendance Notice and is due to appear before Maclean Local Court on October 15.