A major emergency operation is underway along the New South Wales South Coast as authorities search for a missing fisherman, following the tragic drowning of another angler at Gerroa.
Land, Air and Sea Search Activated
Multiple emergency services have launched a coordinated land, air and sea search off the coast of Gerroa, near Black Head point. The search is focused on locating a fisherman who was last seen early on Sunday morning, January 25.
The missing man is one of two anglers who travelled from western Sydney to the South Coast for a fishing trip. Their families reported them missing after they failed to return home.
Tragic Discovery Precedes Missing Report
Approximately 24 hours before the missing persons report was filed, emergency services were called to Black Head point at Gerroa around 4pm on Sunday. A man had been washed off the rocks and drowned.
His body was retrieved from the rocky shoreline, but formal identification has not yet been completed. Police are therefore unable to confirm whether this victim is one of the two missing men from western Sydney.
Extensive Search Operation Details
After receiving the missing persons report on Monday afternoon, authorities initiated an extensive search of the ocean around Gerroa beginning at 4pm. The operation involved numerous agencies working together until 9pm that evening.
The search resumed at 6am on Tuesday with continued efforts from multiple emergency response teams. Participating agencies include:
- NSW Water Police
- Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit
- State Emergency Service (SES)
- Marine Rescue NSW
- Surf Life Saving NSW
- Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter
Safety Warnings for Rock Fishers
Surf Life Saving South Coast Branch duty officer Shane Wicks confirmed that the man whose body was retrieved on Sunday was not wearing a life jacket. Earlier this week, Wicks issued important safety reminders for all rock fishers.
"If anyone sees someone in trouble in the ocean they should call the police who will respond the closest rescue response," Wicks emphasized.
He urged anyone engaging in rock fishing to always wear a life jacket and to continuously monitor changing conditions around them. Additionally, boaters are encouraged to use the free Marine Rescue NSW app to log their trips on and off the water.
The search continues as emergency crews work to locate the missing fisherman, with authorities providing regular updates as the operation progresses.
