A man has died while fishing off Honeycomb Rocks at Port Kembla this morning.
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The 44-year-old man from Hebersham in south-west Sydney was fishing with his 13-year-old son and another family member when he was washed off rocks by a large wave about 7am.
Lake Illawarra Police Inspector Andrew Koutsoufis described the incident as tragic but ‘‘a completely avoidable situation’’.
‘‘This tragic incident highlights the dangers of rock fishing,’’ he said.
‘‘If people are going to go rock fishing learn to swim and wear a lifejacket.’’
Insp Koutsoufis said ocean conditions were extremely dangerous, putting off even the most experienced rock fishers.
‘‘There were experienced rock fisherman at the scene considering the conditions at the time, they described the conditions as suicidal,’’ he said.
Police rescue, water police and ambulance paramedics were called to the rocks about 7am following reports a rock fisherman had been washed into the ocean.
Water police found the man 100m off the rocks.
‘‘Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful,’’ Insp Koutsoufis said.
A report is now being prepared for the coroner.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
