Tributes for ‘fallen heroes’ as community begins to look ahead

Ballina will get a replacement Marine Rescue vessel and a review of dredging at the river mouth after Monday night’s tragedy that claimed the lives of two volunteers.

NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the government would ensure the community was not left without protection following the loss of the BA30 vessel.

There will be a replacement boat,” he said.

“In the meantime, there will be an interim solution so this community is not left without coverage.”

The minister said the long-running issue of dredging at the Ballina Bar would also be examined as part of the broader investigation into the incident.

“That’s one of the things that will come up,” he said.

“It will need to be looked at as part of the discussion about what happened.”

The tragedy has sparked renewed focus on the notoriously dangerous crossing, where shifting sandbanks and heavy swell can create unpredictable conditions.

Two Marine Rescue volunteers, Ballina locals William “Bill” Ewen and Frank Petch, died during the rescue operation after their vessel capsized in treacherous seas while responding to a yacht in distress.

Speaking at the media conference at Ballina today, unit commander Peter Hill struggled to contain his emotion as he paid tribute to the pair, describing them as “fallen heroes”.

“We are hurting… and this community is hurting,” he said.

Mr Hill said Mr Ewen had been a long-serving member of the unit who “loved getting on the boat”, while Mr Petch had quickly become a trusted and capable crew member.

“If you needed anything done, Frank would say yes,” he said.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader comforts member of the Marine Rescue outside the tower.

Main photo: NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib addresses the media along side Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Mayor Cadwallader.

The emotional tone of the media conference shifted when questions turned to decision-making on the night, with a minder stepping in to halt further discussion, saying it was a matter for police and not for comment at this stage.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews confirmed the BA30 vessel, only months old, would not return to service.

“There’s nobody that will step on that vessel ever again,” he said.

The vessel is expected to be salvaged as part of the ongoing investigation by police and maritime authorities.

Mr Andrews said the organisation’s immediate focus remained on supporting volunteers and families, with counselling services and psychological support now in place.

Mr Hill said he had visited injured crew members in hospital, describing them as being in “reasonably good spirits” despite serious injuries, including broken bones.

His priority, he said, was to support those directly affected.

Marine Rescue Ballina unit commander Peter Hill is comforted by Commissioner Todd Andrews during the emotional media conference as he paid tribute to his fallen colleagues.

“I’m not worrying about the future at this point in time,” he said.

“I’m focusing on what I can do to support them.”

The minister said the outpouring of support from the Ballina community reflected its resilience during a difficult time.

“This community is hurting… but it is still standing strong,” he said.

Floral tributes honouring the two lost volunteers