NSW RFA Issue Safe Fishing Alert

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NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance warns north coast anglers to take care in current conditions

Monday May 5, 2014 - 12:40 EST

A peak recreational fishing lobby group has issued a safe fishing alert for today.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW said dangerous conditions along the north coast yesterday have not eased as forecast and are set to continue.

A high pressure system sitting west of Tasmania is pushing strong south-westerly and southerly winds along the coast.

There is also large and powerful surf with waves of up to four metres.

The Alliance says coastal activities like crossing river bars in boats, and rock fishing could be risky in the current conditions.

It is advising people not to fish alone, to choose a safe spot, wear non-slip shoes and lifejackets and never turn their backs on the sea.

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Three fishermen swept in at Seal Rocks

08 May 2014

THREE rock fishermen were swept to sea yesterday at Seal Rocks following large swells on the NSW Mid-North Coast.

According to news reports, dangerous seas swept the three men from Goulburn off a rock platform below the Sugarloaf Lighthouse at Seal Rocks at around 12.30pm.

Rescuers were resuming their search this morning for one of the rock fishermen who is still missing.

The Daily Telegraph reports a rescue helicopter plucked one man from the surging seas while surf lifesaver Lennon Fisher used a jetski to find a second, who was taking refuge on a rocky outcrop about 500m from where the trio went in.

Police said the third man was last seen floating face down in the water.

He is believed to be well known and highly experienced rock fisherman Peter Oberg, 45, from Goulburn.

The incident is the second rock-fishing tragedy in less than two weeks.

The drama follows last week’s drowning deaths of two Chinese students who were swept from the rocks at Wybung Head on the Central Coast.