90-year old Peter Warner, died in Australia yesterday. The famous sailor was reported drowned when his boat rolled at the dangerous Ballina Bar, off the coast of Byron Bay, NSW.

Warner, who had a long time connection with Tonga, had won the Sydney to Hobart yacht race three times in the 1960s, but was best known for rescuing six Tongan castaways on 'Ata Island in 1966.

NSW Ambulance service reported yesterday that Paramedics had responded to reports that a boat had overturned with two people onboard.

“Despite the efforts of paramedics and other emergency services, one man sadly died at the scene.”

Marine Rescue NSW reported that the yacht rolled on the incoming tide on the Ballina bar, throwing two people into the water. The yacht was pushed along the breakwall by the swell and recovery efforts were being made.

Australia's 9news reported that the incident happened about 8:45am on Tuesday, when the 90 year old and a 17 year old on board were both in the water. The teenager reportedly helped Warner to shore where, despite CPR by bystanders, he died at the scene. The teenager was not injured.

Warner's daughter Janet told the Daily Telegraph that Warner had been on a night-time sail up from Yamba on his new boat, and he believed the conditions were favourable. She also praised the 17-year-old boy who brought him to shore.

The long time sailor made a lasting connection with Tonga after rescuing the 'Ata castaways. The teenagers had been marooned and presumed dead. He brought them home to great celebrations that were recorded in a documentary. Six Tongan Castaways in Ata Island https://youtu.be/tT1C4BSRzak [2]

Peter recently recalled the emotional moment of that rescue: Peter Warner | Captain who saved the six castaways boys in 1966 https://youtu.be/tT1C4BSRzak [2]