In a tribute to courage, service and sacrifice, the NSRI will lower its flag to half-mast on Monday, 15 June 2026, honouring two Marine Rescue NSW volunteers who made the ultimate sacrifice while rescuing others.
The NSRI will lower its flag to half-mast in honour of two fellow rescue volunteers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.
Bill Ewen (78) and Frank Petsch (62) of Marine Rescue NSW, Australia, lost their lives on 4 May 2026 while responding to a distress call from a yacht in peril near Ballina, New South Wales. Their rescue vessel capsized in severe sea conditions while they were responding to a call for help.
On Monday, 15 June 2026, the day of Bill's funeral, the NSRI Volunteer Support Centre in Milnerton and many NSRI rescue stations around South Africa will lower their flags as part of a global tribute coordinated by the International Maritime Rescue Federation.
Bill and Frank embodied the spirit of volunteer rescue service — selflessly responding when others were in need.
As we honour their memory, we also recognise the dedication of all rescue volunteers across South Africa and around the world, as well as the families who support them.
"They answered the call to help a stranger, and they gave everything. We lower our flag in their honour." – NSRI CEO Mike Vonk
Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of Bill and Frank, and with the entire Marine Rescue NSW community.
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