Three people have died and four others made it shore after two boats encountered wild conditions off the coast of Ballina in northern NSW.

Emergency crews were called about 6.15pm on Monday evening when a member of the public spotted a yacht in trouble at the South Ballina break wall.

A Marine Rescue NSW boat responded but rolled while crossing the Ballina Bar in rough seas.

‘Three people are confirmed deceased, while four made it to shore,’ a NSW Police spokesperson said.

‘It’s unknown how many people were on the yacht. It’s believed the yacht has now sunk.’

Paramedics have treated the four injured who are expected to recover.

An AMSA Challenger jet was circling the area late on Monday night.

The search is expected to continue on Tuesday with assistance from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter from Lismore.

The notorious Ballina break water (pictured) where the two boats got into trouble
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The notorious Ballina break water (pictured) where the two boats got into trouble

Another boat sunk at the Ballina break water in January this year, which is notorious for shifting sands, strong tidal flows and large ocean swells.

‘The entrance to the Richmond River at Ballina has long carried a reputation as one of the most dangerous river bars on the Australian coast,’ Marine Rescue NSW wrote in March.