Yamba bar distress call leads authorities on wild good chase

Police investigate the circumstances of a report of people being swept out to sea early this morning

A file image of Westpac Rescue Helicopter pilots flying at night.

Police are investigating whether a call stating that a boat being swept over the Yamba bar was a hoax.

Emergency services responded to the call at 3.50am this morning, with the rescue helicopter tasked by NSW Ambulance to join in the search.

The report stated that a vessel had broken down at the mouth of the Clarence River at Yamba and was being swept out to sea, with an unknown number of people on board.

The helicopter conducted an extensive aerial search using night vision goggles, and were assisted by volunteer Marine Rescue units.

The search failed to find any trace of a vessel in distress, and the helicopter and other services returned to base.

A file image of Marine Rescue searching near Yamba at night.

Grafton Police Station officer-in-charge Jo Reid said they were now investigating the initial report to see if it was false in nature, leading to a false investigation by emergency services.

Chief Inspector Reid said two police officers were recalled to duty to respond to the incident, alongside other emergency services, and if it is proven to be false, they would aim to seek compensation which could run into thousands of dollars.

The investigation will continue, and anyone with information that may assist is urged to call Crimestoppers or the Grafton Police Station.