Rock fisherman dies at dangerous headland on Central Coast
Updated ,first published
A man has died after a wave swept him into the ocean while rock fishing on a notoriously dangerous stretch of the Central Coast between Sydney and Newcastle.
Rescue crews were called to Frazer Park within the Munmorah State Reserve around 1.20pm on Saturday after reports that a fisherman had been swept away by the waves.
The three friends were fishing off Snapper Point, north of Frazer Park beach and near a secluded campground.
Two of the men were fishing from a higher platform, while the third, aged 41, was knocked off a lower platform by a wave.
A police spokesman said the man was wearing a flotation device around his torso but did not have a life jacket. He held on to an Esky to stay afloat.
One of his friends entered the water to save him but was unsuccessful. He was picked up by a passing boat and taken to the Swansea RSL Club without any injuries.
After 10 to 15 minutes, the man released the Esky and was seen floating face up in the waves, the spokesman said.
A paramedic in the Westpac Rescue helicopter winched down and removed the man’s body. Medical teams performed cardiac massage, but he could not be saved.
Police, Maritime Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW also took part in the rescue effort. Police are investigating the incident and preparing a report for the coroner.
Central Coast councilor Jared Wright said the community was grateful to rescuers and citizens who acted quickly to help the three fishermen.
“Sadly this is another tragic drowning on the Central Coast this year and our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this time,” Wright said.
In March, two rock fishermen drowned at Little Beach in Bouddi National Park, also on the Central Coast.
Wright said 160 people attended a rock fishing safety event at Avoca Beach last year run by the council and Surf Life Saving NSW, which distributed free life jackets.
Snapper Point is a known hotspot for drownings. Surf Life Saving NSW described the area as extremely dangerous with “numerous rock crevices and numerous caves”.
More than 20 people have died along the three-kilometer stretch of shoreline where Snapper Point is located since 2008; These include a rock fisherman who wandered away from this spot in 2019 and fell into a dangerous sea cave.
Many people drowned or were rescued after waves swept them into the ocean. The point’s jagged volcanic rock platforms are popular with fishermen.
Rock fishing has been called Australia’s most dangerous sport. According to a study, an average of 13 rock fishermen are killed every year. Surf Life Saving report Analyzing data from 2004 to 2020.
Only 4 percent of the victims were wearing life jackets.
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Angus Dalton is science correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X or email.
