A major search operation for a fisherman believed to have been swept from rocks on the New South Wales South Coast has been significantly scaled back after two days of intensive efforts failed to locate him.
Disappearance Triggers Desperate Search
The 34-year-old man was last seen fishing on the rock shelf at Bushrangers Bay in Shell Cove around 2pm on Monday. The alarm was raised when his personal belongings were discovered at the location later that evening, at approximately 7.40pm.
Emergency services immediately launched a response, with the TOLL Helicopter deployed to aid in the search until operations were suspended at 11.30pm due to darkness.
Multi-Agency Response Hampered by Conditions
The search resumed in full force on Tuesday with a large contingent of personnel and resources. Local police were joined by the NSW Police Marine Area Command, police divers, Marine Rescue, Surf Life Savers, the Lifesaver helicopter, and the State Emergency Service (SES).
Despite the concerted effort, the challenging search was officially concluded for the day at about 3.15pm on Tuesday due to deteriorating and poor conditions.
Further efforts continued on Wednesday but were scaled back around 1pm after no trace of the missing man was found.
Ongoing Patrols and Community Concern
While the large-scale search has been wound down, authorities have confirmed that proactive patrols will continue. NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving crews will maintain a presence in the area in the coming days.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of rock fishing, particularly on exposed shelves like those at Bushrangers Bay. The community and emergency services hold grave concerns for the fisherman's welfare.
