A man has been charged over a boat capsize that left two people dead at Yamba on the NSW North Coast earlier this year.
Emergency services were called to Yamba Breakwater shortly after 6am on Thursday, 12 March 2026, following reports a boat had capsized while crossing the coastal bar.
The NSW Police Force Marine Area Command coordinated the response, assisted by Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW Ambulance and Coffs/Clarence Police District officers.
A 52-year-old man was rescued from the water and taken to Maclean District Hospital for assessment and mandatory testing.
A 52-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man were retrieved from nearby waters a short time later.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the pair, but both died at the scene.
Marine Area Command detectives subsequently launched an investigation into the capsize.
Following inquiries, police issued the 52-year-old man with a Court Attendance Notice for two counts of operating a recreational vessel negligently causing death or grievous bodily harm.
He is due to appear in Maclean Local Court on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
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