Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a rock-fisherman on the state’s South Coast today, NSW Police say.
Emergency services were called to Little Beecroft Head, near Currarong, just after 9.30am today (Sunday 7 January 2018), following reports three men were in the water.
Police have been told a group of men were walking to a rock fishing spot when one of the men slipped and fell into the water. It is not believed he was wearing a floatation vest.
Two men grabbed a nearby Angel Life Ring and jumped in to assist the unconscious man.
The three men were rescued by Crookhaven - Marine Rescue Shoalhaven assisted by the NSW Police Marine Area Command and the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter.
Despite CPR attempts, the 25-year-old man could not be revived.
The two other men were taken to Shoalhaven Hospital in a stable condition, suffering from exposure.
Officers from Shoalhaven Local Area Command are continuing their inquiries, including whether the man could have suffered a medical episode.
Meanwhile, all rock anglers are urged to follow these safety tips when they venture out:
* Always wear a life jacket
* Make enquiries and check weather and conditions before you leave home
* Observe first/fish later: watch your intended fishing spot to get an idea of the conditions over a full swell/wave cycle
* Carry safety gear; head protection, as well as a float and line to help anyone else who might be washed into the water.
* Never fish by yourself and always stand within sight of each other
* Make sure you let family and friends know where you are going and when you’ll be back
* Carry a mobile phone
* Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas and be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time
* Stay alert. Never turn your back on the sea
* If waves, the weather or swell threaten your fishing spot, leave immediately
* If in doubt, don’t go out
* In the event of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.
