Surf lifesavers, Ballina Jet Boat, Marine Rescue, police, ambulance respond to boat capsize at Ballina

Surf life savers, the Jet Boat Rescue team and other emergency crews responded to reports that a vessel had overturned at Ballina.

The Ballina Jet Boat Rescue crew was called to Emigrant Creek, Ballina, after a tinny capsized. File photo.

There was a dramatic rescue operation at Ballina tonight after a boat capsized.

Surf Life Saving Far North Coast posted this message on Twitter just before 10pm: “Support Operations Group activated to reports of a vessel capsized within the Richmond River Ballina.

“It is reported that a female is clinging to the upturned vessel.

“Further details to follow.”

A spokesman from Ballina Jet Boat Rescue said they received a report that a tinny had overturned in Emigrant Creek, near Smith Drive at West Ballina.

He said one woman was on board and she was quickly located by rescuers.

“She was okay, she didn’t need medical attention,” he said.

“Police, ambulance and Marine Rescue attended, as well as us. The (Westpac Life Saver Rescue) helicopter was called off.”

A spokesman from NSW Marine Rescue confirmed a woman in a tinny got “caught in the tide”.

“Both SLS and Marine Rescue Ballina responded quickly, with SLS at the scene first and bringing her to safety,” he said.

The Richmond River bar at Ballina has been the scene of a number of incidents over the years.

A previous night time rescue on the Ballina bar.

In June last year, a 45-foot cruiser skippered by Guy Peluso hit an object and began sinking bow-first.

They issued a mayday call and a crew from Marine Rescue Ballina was dispatched, forced to cross the hazardous Richmond River bar on a large swell in challenging conditions.