Govind Tekale
A fisherman vanished 55 kilometers off Newcastle’s coast Sunday after encountering a great white shark during a fishing competition. The incident unfolded at 1:30 PM when the shark caught the person’s fishing line, dragging them overboard.
“The demeanor of the fishermen was commendable,” said Troy Rayford, president of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fishing Club. Emergency services were contacted immediately, launching a major rescue operation that brought together emergency services and local fishing vessels.
Marine Rescue NSW’s vessel PS31 led the search alongside Water Police boats. Two rescue helicopters joined from above, while 20 fishing boats formed search lines across the water. The combined team worked in a coordinated pattern to maximize search coverage.
Fishermen from another competition reported encountering sharks in the same location last week, highlighting recent shark activity in these waters. Multiple shark sightings in a single day were noted as unusual for the area.
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The emergency response was extensive. Each rescue service brought their specialized equipment and expertise to the search effort. Marine Rescue and Water Police maintained continuous communication to coordinate the operation effectively.
Every competition follows established safety protocols. Basic safety equipment and communication devices are essential for boats venturing this far offshore. The incident has naturally led to discussions about enhancing safety measures.
“We’re reviewing our safety protocols,” Rayford explained. The fishing community is considering additional precautions for future competitions in these waters.
Marine Rescue NSW and Water Police continued searching until darkness. The search paused at nightfall Sunday and was set to restart at first light Monday.
By 7 PM Sunday, despite the extensive search involving multiple emergency services and volunteer boats, the missing person had not been found. NSW Police coordinate the ongoing operation, with Marine Rescue NSW providing regular updates through their emergency channels.
