Publishers note

It is hard to comprehend that two of our finest have been lost to the sea.

This week’s news, across all media platforms, has been dominated by the tragic loss of two Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, William (Bill) Ewen, aged 78, and Frank Petsch, aged 62.

Bill Ewen was closing in on 10 years of service with Marine Rescue Ballina, having joined in February 2017, and was a highly respected crew member. Frank Petsch joined the unit in January 2024 and had progressed to the rating of Coxswain (Restricted).

We also recognise and pay our respects to the lost sailor who was in trouble off the coast, which triggered a crew of six to depart on Monday evening to assist the stranded mariner. Of course, the details of how, what and when will form part of the formal inquiry.

Our thoughts are also with the other four Marine Rescue NSW volunteers who were on board Ballina 30, some of whom were injured in the accident. One of those was Master Geoff Hutchinson, with whom we published a conversation less than two months ago.

There are many people hurting at the moment. We share our thoughts with the families of those who have been lost, those who were on board and are now recovering, the Ballina community, the 3,500 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers statewide, and the entire management and operational team at Marine Rescue NSW HQ and bases across the state.

We do hope you enjoy this week’s news.

Marine Business News is an Australian-owned marine industry news service publishing local and international news. If you have news stories you would like to share, please let us know by contacting our newsroom via our email at NewsRoom@MarineBusinessNews.com.au.

Stay safe on the water,
Domenic Genua - Publisher

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