The bodies believed to be two missing fishermen from Sydney have been discovered on the New South Wales South Coast, marking a tragic end to the long weekend.
Investigation Launched After Body Washes Ashore
An investigation was initiated after a body washed up at Gerroa on the state's South Coast on Sunday afternoon. Police immediately began working to identify the man, sparking a comprehensive probe into the incident.
Connection to Missing Sydney Men
The investigation led authorities to reports of two men missing from the Blakehurst and Hurstville areas in Sydney's south. The men, aged 59 and 53 and known to each other, were identified as frequent visitors to the Kiama, Gerringong, and Jervis Bay areas for rock fishing activities.
Based on this new information, police now believe the body found on Sunday afternoon belongs to the missing 53-year-old man.
Massive Multi-Agency Search Operation
A large-scale search operation was launched on Monday involving multiple emergency services. Police Rescue, State Emergency Service members, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and the Westpac rescue helicopter all participated in the effort to locate the missing fishermen.
The search was suspended at 9pm on Monday night and resumed at 6am on Tuesday morning, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to finding the missing individuals.
Second Body Discovered
On Tuesday afternoon, a second body was found near Black Head Reserve. Police have indicated this body is believed to be the missing 59-year-old man, bringing the search to a heartbreaking conclusion.
Coronial Investigation to Follow
A report will now be prepared for the coroner as authorities work to formally identify both individuals and determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The tragic incident has highlighted the dangers associated with rock fishing along the NSW coastline.
The discovery has sent shockwaves through both the Sydney communities where the men lived and the coastal areas they frequented for fishing. Emergency services have emphasized the importance of safety precautions when engaging in coastal activities, particularly during changing weather conditions.
