A multi-agency operation will resume on Sunday morning in search of a fisher swept off the rocks in Port Stephens.
However, those involved are expecting to face some difficulties with a hazardous surf warning remaining in place for the Hunter, all the way north to the border.
The Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) State Operations Centre was alerted to the incident, which unfolded at Fingal Bay just after 9am on Saturday 3 February.
Police confirmed a man in his 60s of a culturally and linguistically-diverse background had gone underwater… and not been seen since.
He was one of four people rock fishing in the area.
The other three also found trouble but managed to return to secure land.
Fingal Bay SLSC’s Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB), as well as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and SLSNSW assets, were tasked to the job and are currently assisting in the search efforts.
Unfortunately, poor conditions halted everyone’s efforts midway through the afternoon.
The search will resume with Water Police from 9am on 4 February.
It was the first of several serious incidents managed by lifesaving volunteers up and down the coast, while the day ended with a confirmed fatality at Iluka Bay on the state’s Far North Coast.
Since 1 December, there has now been 12 confirmed coastal drownings in NSW.
Earlier, there were near-drowning incidents at Puckeys Beach in the Illawarra and at Freshwater Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Both incidents required CPR on scene, with the latter transported to hospital in a serious condition following lifesaver intervention and first aid.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce is urging the public to be surf-safe if they visit the coastline.
“We’re expecting extreme temperatures across the state on Sunday and with the big surf as well, it’s a recipe for a dangerous day on our coastline,” he explained.
“We know the public is going to seek the beach as refuge from the heat.
“So, all we can ask is that if you’re going to go in the water, that you do so at a patrolled location and between the red and yellow flags where our dedicated volunteers can see you.”
For more news stories:
- Business Hunter supports offshore wind industry
- Body located in search for missing man at Cessnock
- Newcastle man charged with alleged child sex offences
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
