Bodies of fishermen pulled from water at ‘treacherous’ Central Coast beach

Rescue crews have retrieved the bodies of two fishermen believed to have been swept off rocks at an isolated and “treacherous” Central Coast beach.

A 42-year-old man from Beecroft was pulled from the water at Little Beach in Bouddi National Park by surfers shortly after he was spotted about 4pm on Saturday. He was assessed by paramedics but died at the scene.

The body of a second Beecroft man, aged 67, was recovered 200 metres from the beach about 7.45pm following a large-scale search. Police are investigating whether one of the men entered the water to rescue the first after he was swept off the rocks. Neither fisherman was wearing a life jacket.

Little Beach, a secluded bay, is not patrolled by lifeguards.

Acting Inspector Richard Nicholson said rock fishing was “one of the most dangerous past-times in the world, and especially here on the east coast of Australia”.

“We do have some rough conditions, and the message from the police is always wear a life jacket,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson said the men had left the Sydney area about 5am and were seen fishing about 11am. The men were known to each other, but their relationship is not yet known.

“They were fishing together, and we believe that they were close,” Nicholson said.

Severe weather warnings were in place for parts of NSW on Saturday.

“Obviously weather was a factor yesterday afternoon with the storm brewing, so always keep your eye on the weather,” Nicholson said.

Rock fishers not wearing a life jacket in a declared area – most rock platforms along the NSW coastline – face a $100 on-the-spot fine.

“If you are going out, or if you’ve been risking it before, or you think you are the experienced fisherman, please have a look at the websites and get yourself up to date with the current legislation and try to keep yourself safe so you can go home to your families,” Nicholson said.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said Little Beach was popular with rock fishermen despite its isolation. The beach’s often “treacherous” conditions were ideal for fish activity, Pearce said.

“It’s really important for rock fishers that they always wear life jackets,” Pearce said, adding that rock fishing was the second-highest cause of death on the NSW coastline after swimmers caught in rips.

Pearce said the deaths were a reminder of the dangers of rock fishing in remote areas.

A record 81 lives were lost in drowning incidents across Australia this summer, Royal Life Saving Australia said.

Surf Life Saving NSW is trialling surveillance cameras at popular rock fishing platforms near Kiama blowhole and Little Bay Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The cameras use artificial intelligence to detect when a fisher has been swept off the rocks and alert emergency services.

To date, the surveillance cameras have saved four lives, Pearce said, and could be installed at other popular fishing spots.

Central Coast councillor Jared Wright said the local community was saddened to hear of the drownings.

“It stresses the importance of wearing a life jacket when you are rock fishing and this is a requirement that everyone must adhere to, to help keep them safe.” he said.

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