UPDATE: A multi-agency search is actively underway for a 35-year-old fisherman who went missing after setting off from Dolans Bay on Tuesday morning. Authorities confirmed that his empty boat was discovered off Port Kembla early today, but there has been no sign of the man.
The fisherman departed from Dolans Bay around 9:00 AM in his 6-metre boat. Concerns grew when he failed to return, prompting a call to local authorities just after 7:00 PM yesterday. Officers from the Sutherland Shire Police Area Command swiftly responded to the boat ramp near Port Hacking Road.
According to a police statement, “Extra resources from Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) were called and started searching.” The search intensified when the AMSA Challenger jet located the boat approximately 15 nautical miles off Port Kembla at around 12:15 AM today.
Despite the boat’s recovery by Botany Water Police, there has been no trace of the fisherman. The search operations resumed at 8:00 AM today, engaging Water Police, Marine Rescue NSW, and Surf Life Saving, with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) managing several aircraft in the area.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the missing fisherman to come forward as this situation develops. The emotional impact of this search is profound, as loved ones anxiously await news of his safe return. The community is rallying behind the search efforts, hoping for a positive outcome in this distressing situation.
As the search continues, updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest developments in this urgent search.
