Authorities expressed concerns about the seaworthiness of a vessel that departed from Ballina early Monday morning and broke apart less than 24 hours later near Kingscliff in northern New South Wales. The skipper of the boat called for help just after 10 p.m. on Monday after reaching shore and borrowing a phone.

Natalie Evans, a patron at the Kingscliff Hotel, witnessed the man exiting the men's restroom carrying a shopping bag and an oar. "He was soaking wet and he had seaweed all over him," Evans said. "I thought he was homeless or something and had just gone for a swim. He looked a bit upset, and when I found out why he was there, I felt bad for him really."

Peter Hill, commander of the Ballina Marine Rescue unit, noted that he was on duty when the vessel left the Richmond River at 7:30 a.m. and headed out to sea. "I took particular note of it because it was unusual and it didn't seem particularly seaworthy," Hill stated. He described the boat as being 10 to 12 meters long with a single outboard motor controlled by a tiller. "If weather and wave conditions were good, it could have been okay," he added. Hill acknowledged that the skipper appeared confident in his abilities, emphasizing that the decision to go to sea was ultimately his.

Reports indicate that the boat had been moored in Ballina for several months and had undergone repairs earlier this year. Rod McDonagh, operations manager for NSW Maritime, mentioned that the authority had discussed the vessel's condition and travel plans with its owner. However, he noted that no formal action regarding its seaworthiness had been taken. "There are a lot of notifications and processes before it would get to that stage," McDonagh explained. He confirmed that NSW Maritime is investigating the circumstances surrounding the vessel's breakup and grounding, stating, "What happened is still quite unclear; whether he hit rocks or the breakwall is still unknown at this point."

Sara Sprake, a Kingscliff resident, reported finding debris from the boat scattered along the beach during her morning walk on Tuesday. She discovered various items, including a shoe, a door, and marine flares, which she and a friend collected for safe disposal. "There is a lot that is buried deep. I tried to pick up a corrugated hose, but it was attached to something buried under the sand," Sprake said, expressing concern that some debris might remain on the beach.

McDonagh announced that NSW Maritime would bring machinery to the beach on Wednesday to assist in salvaging the vessel. He also stated that the beach between the breakwall and the Kingscliff Surf Club would remain closed until the cleanup and salvage operations were completed. Meanwhile, the man, believed to be in his 40s, is in stable condition at Tweed Valley Hospital with minor injuries. He has declined to provide an interview regarding the incident.