Marine Rescue NSW

03/06/2026

A dramatic rescue south of Byron Bay overnight saw Marine Rescue Brunswick volunteers battle darkness and deteriorating weather to save three men stranded on Cocked Hat Rock after their kayak was swept away. Check out how our dedicated crew used skill, determination and teamwork to bring the men safely home in the early hours of this morning.
Read the full story here: https://shorturl.at/OOcQs

01/06/2026

Volunteers at Marine Rescue Batemans Bay have made a pooch's day after it was swept off rocks. Watch the rescue unfold & read more about it on the link https://shorturl.at/JXzGL

25/05/2026

Volunteers and vessels from Marine Rescue Middle Harbour and Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking have resumed the multi-agency search for a missing swimmer at Little Bay Beach. Our crews will remain on-water until instructed otherwise by Marine Area Command

25/05/2026

HAPPENING NOW

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking and Marine Rescue Middle Harbour are assisting a multi-agency search for a missing male swimmer at Little Bay Beach. Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Joel Pemberton said vessels and crews were requested to assist by NSW Police Marine Area Command. “Volu...

18/05/2026

It’s National Volunteer Week.

Last Friday, we were proud to send seven of our volunteers to the Premier’s Volunteer Reception to officially launch the week and recognise the selfless contributions volunteers make across NSW every day.

12/05/2026

A moving tribute has been held at Ballina today

Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ballina held a private ceremony on the shore of South Ballina Beach today to honour fellow unit members Frank Petsch and Bill Ewen, who lost their lives during a rescue mission response on Monday 4 May, 2026. Marine Rescue NSW Ballina Unit Commander Peter Hill said toda...

09/05/2026

To the women who do it all, we see you, we appreciate you, and we’re so grateful for everything you do.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums at Marine Rescue NSW 💙

06/05/2026

We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our Marine Rescue NSW community, as well as from across Australia and around the world.

In moments like this, we understand that many people want to show their support in a meaningful way.

If you would like to make a financial contribution to Marine Rescue Ballina unit, you can do so via this link https://www.marinerescuensw.com.au/support-us/donate
Please select Ballina from the dropdown menu.

You are also welcome to leave a message of support here https://shorturl.at/a5i5r. These messages will be compiled into a condolence book for the unit and the families affected.

06/05/2026

We can now confirm the names of the two Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers who tragically lost their lives during Monday night’s rescue mission were William (Bill) Ewen and Frank Petsch.

Bill was approaching 10 years of dedicated service with Marine Rescue Ballina, having joined in February 2017. He was a highly respected and valued crew member.

Frank joined the unit in January 2024 and quickly progressed to the role of Coxswain (Restricted), demonstrating his commitment to serving others on the water.

We invite you to share your messages of condolence via the link below. These messages will be compiled into a book and shared with Bill and Frank’s families, as well as the Marine Rescue Ballina team. https://shorturl.at/a5i5r

05/05/2026

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.

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.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.