Police investigations into a fatal boating tragedy off Bulli over the weekend are ongoing, as Marine Rescue calls for boaters to take greater care before hitting the water.
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Seven men were rescued from choppy seas at Bulli after a boat capsized off nearby Peggy's Reef on Sunday morning.
A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed life jackets were on board, but the men did not use them. The spokesperson said the accident was related to the size of the surf, not a collision with notorious Peggy's Reef.
Lifesavers and members of the public commenced CPR on four men who were unconscious and in cardiac arrest when they arrived on shore. Tragically, a 37-year-old man from Bankstown could not be saved and died at the scene. The other three were flown to hospital, each in a critical condition.
The remaining men, as well as surfer Steve Davey, who heroically swam out to assist lifesavers in the rescue, were treated at the scene and taken to hospital.
More than 60 members from Bulli SLSC, Sandon Point SLSC and Thirroul SLSC were involved in the rescue.
Surf Life Saving Illawarra spokesman Anthony Turner praised the "remarkable" efforts of volunteers.
"I have a heavy heart for the families involved, but the remarkable efforts of lifesavers gave them the best chance of survival possible," he said.
"Six people were pulled from hazardous surf alive and I couldn't be more proud of the lifesavers involved."
It is the fourth fatal boating incident in the region over the past 18 months.
On April 16, 2020, Kiama man Neil Campbell died after a "freak wave" struck his vessel as it returned to Port Kembla.
On June 6, 2020, a five-year-old boy and 28-year-old-man died after the boat they were in crashed into Peggy's Reef off Bulli.
On July 3, 2021, three men were found dead after they left for a fishing trip off Bellambi and failed to return.
A Marine Rescue spokesperson called on boaters to take greater care before heading out.
"We recommend boaters check the weather and sea conditions before they get on the water," he said.
"There was a hazardous surf warning in place over the weekend, and two-to-three-metre seas. Boating on a lake is very different to boating in an open ocean."
Last Surf Life Saving season there were 49 drownings along the NSW coast; 31 per cent of those involved boats.
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