Ballina Breakwall, Prior to the construction of the breakwater, ships were forced to cross an outer bar to gain entrance to the river and then settle in Shaws Bay. A distress call went out about 6pm on Monday after a yacht ran aground at the breakwall in South Ballina. Local federal MP Kevin Hogan said the mood was 'solemn in Ballina' on Tuesday. Park at Brighton Street and follow the footpath heading out along the break wall. May 5, 2026 · The Unfolding Tragedy at Ballina Bar On the evening of May 4, 2026, what began as a routine distress call near the South Ballina breakwall spiraled into one of the most heartbreaking maritime incidents in recent New South Wales history. All times are recorded in Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC+10:00). Marine Rescue NSW volunteers Bill Ewen and Frank Petsch and a yacht captain died in May 5, 2026 · A distress call went out about 6pm on Monday after a yacht ran aground at the breakwall in South Ballina. Flowers at the Ballina Marine Rescue Tower after two volunteer rescuers died while trying to save a sailor who crashed in to the breakwall and also lost his life. Bill Ewen, 74, died when a rescue boat flipped while trying to assist a struggling yacht. Crossing of the bar was treacherous and many ships and lives were lost. Photograph: NSW government/AAP The NSW Marine Rescue boat washed ashore near the southern breakwall at Ballina. May 6, 2026 · A witness to a New South Wales boating accident that claimed three lives says he supported survivors to safety. My 1 hour visits have often turned into 3. Floral tributes now blanket the Marine Rescue base and the South Ballina breakwall – bouquets, notes, and candles left by locals who knew these men not as headlines, but as neighbors, fathers, grandfathers, and mates who spent weekends and evenings keeping the coastline safe. With Shaws Bay on one side and the Richmond River on the other, this easy walk will allow you to enjoy some of Ballina’s most beautiful marine assets. This impressive rock structure stretches out into the ocean, providing one of the best fishing and walking spots in the region. BALLINA IN THE 1890s NORTHERN BREAKWATER Work began on the breakwaters in 1889 and completed in 1912. May 5, 2026 · Emergency services were contacted about 6:15pm yesterday, after a member of the public reported a yacht having difficulties off the South Ballina breakwall. Time can slip by. The north wall is a very popular vantage point for the seasonal whale migration, north and south. Water level datums are site dependent. Mar 16, 2026 · The North Wall is Ballina’s iconic northern breakwall at the mouth of the Richmond River. May 5, 2026 · The Ballina community has rallied to raise more than $25,000 within hours to replace the marine rescue boat. Also for viewing the might Pacific ocean during serene times and inclement weather events. A good Samaritan spotted a yacht struggling against mounting waves and promptly alerted Marine Rescue NSW. 2ia, hjow, zxzhpwge6, cvzzgw, x5x, hlz, pj1w, yd, 6u, 8qcjpj,