UPDATE: A multi-agency search is actively underway for a missing fisherman, aged 35, whose empty boat was discovered 15 nautical miles off Port Kembla early today. The fisherman, who launched from Dolans Bay wharf around 9 AM on July 25, 2023, has not been seen since.
Authorities from the Sutherland Shire Police Area Command were alerted to his disappearance shortly after 7 PM yesterday when concerned individuals reported he had not returned from his fishing trip. The alarming situation prompted a swift response, with police confirming the fisherman had been out on his 6-metre boat for several hours without communication.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) deployed its Challenger jet, which located the boat around 12:15 AM today. Despite the discovery, there was no sign of the fisherman, intensifying concerns for his safety.
As the search operation resumed at 8 AM today, multiple resources, including Water Police, Marine Rescue NSW, and the Surf Life Saving team, have been mobilized. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) is coordinating several aircraft to assist in the search efforts, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as they continue their desperate search for the missing man. The community remains hopeful, yet the clock is ticking, raising anxiety among family and friends.
This developing story underscores the dangers of marine activities and the critical importance of safety measures. Stay tuned for further updates as the search progresses.
