Authorities scale back search for missing Shellharbour fisherman not seen for three days
Emergency services have scaled back their search for a missing fisherman who vanished from a popular fishing spot in the days before Christmas.
The 34-year-old man was last seen fishing on the rocks at Bushrangers Bay Shell Cove, near Shellharbour, at 2pm on December 21.
The search for the man began around 19.40 that night after his belongings were found on the rocks.
A police helicopter searched the area until midnight and resumed operations at first light on Tuesday.
The search was expanded with Lake Illawarra Police, NSW Police Marine Area Command, NSW Police divers, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Savers, Lifeboat helicopter and State Emergency Service.
However, due to bad weather conditions, the rescue helicopter was stopped again at 15.15.
Marine Rescue NSW inspector Glenn Sullivan said on Tuesday volunteers had been searching south of Bushrangers Bay since 8.30am.
“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Shellharbour 30 and Shoalhaven 30 are conducting a parallel line search from Bombo to Black Head off Gerroa,” he said.
“Conditions offshore are favorable and both Sea Rescue NSW vessels will continue to search unless instructed otherwise by Maritime Area Command.”
The search for the man resumed on Wednesday morning, but at 1pm on Christmas Eve emergency services announced they would scale back the search.
NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving will continue to search for the fisherman over the coming days.
