It was named in 2009 as the fifth most deadly place for rock fishing in the country.

That same year two Sydney men drowned there: In March, Wan Uk Lee, a 71-year-old Strathfield man of Korean descent was swept away while fishing at Honeycomb Rocks near Hill 60 at Port Kembla. 

MORE: Rock fisherman drowns off Port Kembla

His son, Dennis Lee, was also washed into the ocean but was pulled to safety by the rescue helicopter after treading water for 15 minutes. The men were experienced rock anglers.

In July that year, Minh Loi Truong, a 33-year-old Marrickville man of Vietnamese background, drowned after he was washed off rocks at Port Kembla. Although items of Mr Truong’s clothing and his wallet were located, his body was never found.

In April 2010, Han Fie Tjoe, a 43-year-old Indonesian man living in Yagoona died after being swept off rocks at Hill 60, Port Kembla. Friends fishing with the man told police he was not wearing a life jacket and was not a strong swimmer.

The following month, 41-year-old Heeki Kim from South Strathfield drowned while fishing with two friends at Friars Cave near Kiama’s Little Blowhole. Mr Kim was considered a relatively strong swimmer.

In June 2011, a coronial inquiry into a series of rock fishing deaths took place in Newcastle. 

Deputy State Coroner Mark Buscombe recommended the Department of Primary Industries consider making lifesaving devices compulsory for rock fishermen.

The department funds the installation of angel rings at key rock fishing sites including Port Kembla, educational workshops and safety DVDs in Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese.