A search operation is continuing this morning after three men died after being swept into the sea from a rock platform below the Marine Rescue Port Kembla Hill 60 radio base overnight.
Crews from MR Port Kembla and MR Shellharbour have joined other emergency services in the large-scale operation this morning.Rescue vessels Port Kembla 30 and Shellharbour 30 are searching the coastline from Red Rock to Windang Island up to 4nm out to sea.
A major emergency response began about 10pm yesterday (Friday 22 January 2021), responding to reports several people had been washed off rocks into the sea at Port Kembla.
Police were told by witnesses a group of men were standing on rocks below Hill 60 when a large wave hit them, knocking them into the surf.
Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District and Marine Area Command began searching for the men, assisted by NSW Ambulance, rescue helicopters and local lifeguards.
The bodies of three men were recovered from the water a short time later.
While they are yet to be formally identified, police believe two of men, aged 45 and 49, are from Green Valley, while a third man is believed to be aged 69 from Campsie.
Two men managed to make it back to shore and were treated for minor injuries.
The search continues this morning as eyewitnesses were unsure of exactly how many people were on the rocks when the wave hit; however, there have been no further reports of people missing.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Lake Illawarra police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
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