Incidents in the Tasman Sea.
Documented sailing emergencies in the Tasman Sea — 2 records, each with sources, lessons, and links to the SeaWise procedures involved. Search by the water you're about to sail.
← Search & filter the full LogbookOn 4 May 2026, a yacht struck the southern breakwall at the mouth of the Richmond River near Ballina, on the New South Wales coast. A Marine Rescue NSW boat with six volunteers crossed the notorious Ballina Bar in treacherous seas to help — and capsized. Three people died: two volunteer rescuers and the man from the yacht. Four other crew reached shore with minor injuries.
On a calm evening in June 2026, a 41-foot yacht on a delivery from the Gold Coast to Ballina, on the New South Wales coast, struck a reef at Flat Rock off Skennars Head and began taking on water. Two people were aboard, including an elderly man with limited mobility; a passer-by helped him ashore and the skipper followed. No one was hurt, but the yacht was left stranded on the reef.