The body of a missing fisherman was found on Friday morning after the boat he was in with his nephew capsized near Port Kembla.
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Neil Campbell, aged 58 and his nephew, aged 32, were returning to the Port Kembla boat ramp, when it encountered hazardous conditions and overturned near Rocky Island on Thursday about 6pm.
Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District - with assistance from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, the Marine Area Command, a NSW Ambulance helicopter, Surf Life Saving and SES - commenced a search for the two fishermen.
About 7.30pm, the 32-year-old man was found in the water before he was winched to safety by the NSW Ambulance helicopter crew and airlifted to Wollongong Hospital in a stable condition.
Due to conditions, the search for the second man had to be suspended at 10.30pm.
Mr Campbell's body was found on Friday about 9am by water police after the search resumed near Rocky Island at 7am.
He was found about one kilometre away from where the boat capsized.
Malcolm, Mr Campbell's other nephew, was visibly distraught at Hill 60 on Friday morning after hearing the tragic news.
"They were caught by a freak wave," he said. "They became unstuck. My brother made his way back to Rocky Island but my uncle couldn't make it there.
"My brother was calling for help and someone nearby heard and called Triple 0.
"The police search was too dangerous so they had to call it off. I was out to 2.30am walking the rocks.
"They found my uncle this morning."
Malcolm said the pair were enjoying the day on the water fishing and that his uncle "lived for the water".
Malcolm's brother was discharged from hospital but "was a mess" following the tragedy.
Police inquiries into what led to the boat being overturned will continue and a report will be prepared for a Coroner.
Lake Illawarra Police District Commander, Superintendent Dean Smith, reminded boating enthusiasts that safety was paramount.
"Please make sure you are aware of conditions, you let people know where you are going, what time you will be returning and that your safety equipment is in working order and up to standard," he said.
"Boating is a big activity across the Illawarra and unfortunately at times people find themselves distress and in trouble.
"Our message is always around safety."
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