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Man dies after boat capsizes at Bellinger River, Urunga

A boatie has died on the state’s Mid-North Coast after his vessel capsized in a river mouth, with lifeguards describing the fatality as a “sad incident so close to the end of the summer holiday period”.

Hungry Head beach, Urunga, NSW. Picture: Janine Watson
Hungry Head beach, Urunga, NSW. Picture: Janine Watson

A boatie has died on the state’s Mid-North Coast after his vessel capsized in a river mouth.

Emergency services were called to the Bellinger River near Hungry Head, Urunga about 4.30pm on Thursday after the boatie tried to navigate the bar at the river mouth, bystanders say.

Police said officers from Coffs-Clarence Police District and water police as well as surf rescue and paramedics found the body of a man, believed to be aged in his 50s, on the sand just south of the Bellinger River boardwalk.

Emergency services at Urunga, near the caravan park, on the afternoon of January 30. Picture: Janine Watson
Emergency services at Urunga, near the caravan park, on the afternoon of January 30. Picture: Janine Watson

Bystanders had rushed to his aid and performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

Police were told that a dog was also in the boat at the time but, after a land and water search into the evening, officers were unable to locate it.

The entrance to the river at Urunga looking back from the boardwalk on the afternoon of January 30. Picture: Janine Watson
The entrance to the river at Urunga looking back from the boardwalk on the afternoon of January 30. Picture: Janine Watson

Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the man but he died at the scene.

A police spokesperson said the man is believed to have been the only occupant of the boat when it capsized.

The aluminium boat has been recovered and seized for examination by Coffs Harbour water police.

“A sad and unfortunate incident, so close to the end of the summer holiday period,” North Coast ALS Lifeguards said in a statement.

As investigations continue, anyone who witnessed the incident or has information which might assist police is asked to call Coffs Harbour police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Man dies after boat capsizes at Bellinger River, Urunga

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/nsw/man-dies-after-boat-capsizes-at-bellinger-river-urunga/news-story/8d24f928718193ca13c3dc3131aa6ceb