Marine Rescue NSW crews assist multi-agency search for missing fisherman off southern Sydney

Marine Rescue NSW vessels and volunteers from the Shellharbour and Shoalhaven units are today assisting a multi-agency search for a missing fisherman off southern Sydney.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said volunteer radio operators from the Marine Rescue Sydney State Communications Centre were tasked last night (Tuesday 12 August) with conducting numerous radio calls in an attempt to contact the fisherman, which went unanswered.

“Marine Rescue NSW vessel crews were placed on standby overnight and deployed this morning at the request of NSW Police Marine Area Command.

“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were deployed on board Shellharbour 30 and Shoalhaven 30 and began searching at 8:30am today (Wednesday 13 August).

“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels are conducting a parallel line search along with a NSW Water Police boat.

“The search area extends from 15 nautical miles (28 km) off Port Kembla seaward.

“Conditions are favourable for an offshore search this morning.

“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels and crews will continue searching until instructed otherwise by Marine Area Command,” he said.

Inspector Massey is encouraging all boaters always to Log On and Off with Marine Rescue NSW, either via VHF Channel 16 or the free Marine Rescue app.

“Logging On ensures our skilled radio operators keep watch for a boater’s safe return.

“It is also crucial that boaters enable the position update option when using the app — doing so means our rescue crews can respond faster and with greater accuracy, which could save your life,” Inspector Massey said.