A man has been rescued after spending the night on a remote island off the NSW far south coast, after going out spear fishing and failing to return to shore.
Key points:
- Emergency services were called to Lennards Island, near Merimbula, after the 64-year-old spear fisherman failed to return to shore
- The search resumed this morning after it was called off last night due to poor light
- Rescue teams were “elated” by the great outcome on day two of the search
The alarm was raised around 3pm on Saturday when the 64-year-old failed to return from a dive near Lennards Island, south of Merimbula.
A multi-agency search was launched, with teams from the South Coast Police District, Marine Police, Marine Rescue Merimbula and Eden volunteers, NSW Ambulance and local Surf Life Saving club members involved.
A rescue helicopter was also deployed.
The search involved using dye in the water, to show the direction of the ocean currents, which enabled authorities to adjust the search area.
The search was suspended around 5.30pm on Saturday due to poor light.
SES members joined the search when it resumed about 8am on Sunday, amid grim hope the man would be found alive.
But just over an hour later, the missing fisher was found safe and well on the coast in the Beowa National Park.
He was taken by boat to Eden’s Snug Cove, where he was assessed by NSW Ambulance staff and found to have no injuries.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Glenn Sullivan said it was a wonderful outcome.
“It was an amazing effort from all rescuers involved in this search which began yesterday afternoon,” Inspector Sullivan said.
“Our teams are absolutely elated to have such a great outcome on day two of the search.”
He said it was a relief this man was found safe and well.
It was a mild night on the far south coast, with temperatures around 13 degrees, dipping to 12 with the arrival of a cold front this morning.
The sea temperature currently sits at 16.3 degrees, and the rescued man was wearing a long-sleeve, long-legged wetsuit.