Four people caught up in a devastating boating tragedy have been identified, including two Marine Rescue volunteers and the sailor who died, as well as an injured rescuer.

Volunteers William (Bill) Ewen, 74, and Frank Petsch, 62, died when their rescue vessel capsized while attempting to assist a yacht in distress off Ballina, NSW, on Monday evening.

Authorities were called about 6.15pm after a member of the public reported a yacht appearing to be in trouble near the South Ballina break wall.

“We received no distress call, no [Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon], no flares,” NSW Police Marine Area Command Superintendent Joe McNulty said.

“It was the good samaritan on the breakwall, he raised the alarm and contacted Marine Rescue directly.”

Six volunteers from Marine Rescue Ballina responded, launching into what have been described as extremely dangerous conditions.

“It was extremely treacherous bar conditions at the time those marine rescue personnel went to sea,” McNulty said.

“That vessel capsized. As a result of that capsize, some of the marine rescue crew were trapped in the hull, some were ejected from the vessel and unfortunately two lives have been lost.

“These men are heroes.”

The solo sailor, Matthew Clayton, 54, was later found dead after being washed ashore. His 7.5-metre vessel is believed to have sunk.

“They launched with a single mission to save lives on the water and to assist a disabled yacht in distress,” Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said on Tuesday.

“All crew members were experienced and had the necessary qualifications.

“Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

“These two men were serving their local community and they’ve made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Last night was the darkest night in marine rescue history.”

Four further crew members — aged 55, 75 and two aged 61 — survived and were taken to hospital, including Ballina’s Citizen of the Year Geoff Hutchinson, who suffered serious injuries.

Andrews said risk assessments are carried out before every response but warned conditions at sea can change rapidly, adding the psychological toll on survivors would be significant.

“I’m sure they’ve all got substantial mental health injuries as well,” he said.

The operation involved a multi-agency response, with NSW Ambulance, SES, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and an AMSA Challenger jet assisting in the search.

The search was later suspended after authorities determined no one else had been on board the yacht.

Police divers are set to search the wreck later this week as part of the investigation.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the tragedy was a stark reminder of the risks faced by emergency workers.

“In some cases, they’re volunteers, and in their spare time for no money, they put their own lives on the line to protect complete strangers,” he said.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the loss would be felt across the state.

“The loss of these members of our emergency services is a tragedy for their families and friends, as well as the communities they helped protect,” he said.

“It is a loss that is deeply felt across all our emergency services, especially throughout the Marine Rescue family.”

The Ballina Marine Rescue base will remain closed for several days, with neighbouring units stepping in to maintain coverage.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit coastal community, where flowers have been laid outside the base in tribute to the volunteers.

An investigation is now underway into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with weather and sea conditions expected to form a key focus.