Marine Rescue vessel Port Kembla 31 is searching waters off Kiama for two rock fishers. Photo: Marine Rescue.
UPDATED 10:46 am: Superintendent Craig Ireland has told waiting media that the missing fishermen were familiar with the area and had previously fished there. He said “everyone available” had joined the search effort, including PolAir and the Westpac Rescue helicopter, and would continue the search as long as conditions permitted. The father and son last had contact with family members at about 5:20 pm on Monday (19 August). Supt Ireland confirmed neither men were wearing lifejackets. “We have grave concerns for their safety,” he said.
UPDATE 9:57 am: NSW Police has issued a statement about the search for two rock fishers off Kiama.
“At about 3 am on Tuesday (20 August), officers attached to Liverpool City Police Area Command received reports of concern for the welfare of a father and son, aged 47 and 17,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.
“Police were told the pair failed to return to their southwestern Sydney home, after a day of fishing at Storm Bay, south of Kiama Harbour.
“The search involves officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District, Marine Area Command, Police Divers, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, PolAir, Marine Rescue, SES, and Surf Life Saving NSW.”
8:45 am: A search is underway for two rock fishers believed to be missing off Kiama.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue Port Kembla and NSW Water Police began the search early this morning (20 August).
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said Port Kembla 31 was deployed at 7:30 am.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crew on board PK 31 will assist Port Kembla Water Police with a coastal contour search in waters off Kiama Blowhole after the two people reportedly failed to return from a fishing trip early last night,” he said.
“The Marine Rescue Port Kembla crew has just joined the search under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command.
“Sea conditions off Kiama are fair this morning.”
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
More to come.
Original Article published by Zoe Cartwright on Region Illawarra.
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