Tragic Afternoon on Gerroa Coastline Claims Fisherman's Life
A devastating sequence of events unfolded along the Gerroa coastline on Sunday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and a family hospitalisation. Emergency services were stretched thin as they responded to two separate ocean emergencies within a 45-minute window.
Angler Swept from Rocks at Black Head
The initial emergency call came through at approximately 4pm on Sunday, January 25, reporting that a fisherman had been washed off the rocks at Black Head point, located at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach. According to Surf Life Saving's Shane Wicks, the man was fishing when a substantial wave struck, sweeping him into the turbulent ocean.
"Surf Life Saving dispatched lifeguards from Seven Mile Beach on their jet ski, who confirmed there was an unresponsive person on the rocks," Mr Wicks explained. "It appears they were fishing, swept off the rocks, and then washed back on."
Rescue efforts were immediately hampered by dangerous sea conditions. The lifeguards found themselves unable to access the rocks due to the size and roughness of the swell. Compounding the tragedy, the fisherman was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
"They had to utilise the Westpac rescue helicopter through police to retrieve the body from the rocks," Mr Wicks confirmed. He noted that while Black Head is a popular spot for rock fishers and generally safe in good conditions, it becomes extremely hazardous during large swells.
Family Rescued from Unpatrolled Waters
Just 45 minutes after the initial emergency call, crews were called to another incident on the same stretch of coastline. A family swimming approximately 300 metres south of the patrolled area on Seven Mile Beach required rescue from the water.
A NSW Ambulance spokesman detailed that a man in his 40s, along with a girl and boy in their early teens, were pulled from the ocean. "Two paramedic crews and a station manager responded to the scene," he said. "While they sustained no serious injuries, all three were transported to Wollongong Hospital for further observation as a precautionary measure."
Police Investigation Underway
Following the angler's death, NSW Police officers established a crime scene at Black Head and launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. A police spokesman stated that no further details were available at this stage.
Officers have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information about the incident or who was in the area at the time with dashcam or mobile phone footage to come forward. They can contact Lake Illawarra Police Station on 4232 5599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Critical Safety Warning Ahead of Australia Day
This tragic afternoon follows a horrific festive period in NSW that saw seven drownings and a series of shark attacks. With Australia Day approaching and temperatures expected to reach the mid-20s across the Illawarra region, surf lifesavers are issuing urgent safety pleas.
Shane Wicks emphasised several crucial safety measures:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches
- Swim according to your ability and avoid entering the water after consuming alcohol, particularly for young male adults
- Rock fishers must wear life jackets and continuously monitor surrounding conditions
- Boaters should log on and off using the free Marine Rescue NSW app
"If anyone sees someone in trouble in the ocean, they should immediately call the police, who will coordinate the closest rescue response," Mr Wicks advised.
The back-to-back emergencies serve as a sobering reminder of the ocean's power and the critical importance of water safety, particularly during holiday periods when coastal areas see increased visitation.
