Man drowns while fishing at Port Kembla

A man has drowned and another man is recovering in hospital after they were swept off rocks while fishing at Port Kembla late last night.A rescue helicopter plucked the 46-year-old man to safety about 11pm after the fishing expedition to Red Point, near Hill 60, went wrong.However rescuers were unable to save the second man, aged 71, who was later found floating in the ocean off Red Point.
View Larger MapThe rescued man, who is from Strathfield, is recovering in Wollongong Hospital where he is said to be in a satisfactory condition.A police spokesperson said the alarm was raised about 10.50pm last night.Lake Illawarra police and officers from the dog squad, water police, a Port Kembla pilot vessel and ambulance helicopter rushed to the scene and searched for the the pair.A police officer entered the water with a life ring along with a rescue helicopter crewman.They found the 46-year-old man, who was winched to safety by the ambulance helicopter.A report will be prepared for the coroner.For more coverage see Wednesday's Mercury.