Police have revealed missing fisherman Paul Barning was entangled in his own fishing line and not wearing a life jacket when he fell overboard during a fishing competition on Sunday.
The 58-year-old was pulled into the water about 1pm on Sunday while taking part in the Game Fishing Association state tournament off the Port Stephens coast near Newcastle, sparking a major search effort.
In a press conference on Monday afternoon, NSW Police Superintendent Joe McNulty said police believed the vessel was reeling in a mako shark when Mr Barning became entangled in the fishing line.
“After the entanglement we believe the shark has submerged, pulling the man into that water,” he said.
“We believe the shark was quite large.
“Their vessel was only 6.8m in length.”
Superintendent McNulty said the outcome may have been different if the experienced fisherman had been wearing a life jacket.
“Tragically, that might have assisted in his recovery if he’d had a life jacket on,” he said.
“Unfortunately, at this time, he has not been recovered.”
He confirmed the search for Barning was ongoing, and there was no evidence the shark attacked the man.
Superintendent McNulty said water temperatures between 25C and 27C and fast currents had brought more marine life to the area, making the search challenging.
He stressed the importance of taking safety precautions on the water.
“Doesn’t matter how experienced you are, how long you’ve been fishing, please wear a life jacket,” he said.
“It’s just a safety message that we really need to get out to all members of the boating community.”
The NSW Game and Fishing Association paid tribute to Barning in a statement, describing him as a “loved and revered” member of their community.
“Paul Barning, current secretary, past president and life member of Port Hacking Game Fishing Club was a highly experienced game fisherman,” NSW GFA president Steve Lamond said on Monday.
“He was tragically lost at sea in the most unlikely of circumstances while fishing on his boat ‘Dark Horse’ off Port Stephens on Sunday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Leonie, his son Sam and daughters Eleanor and Brigette in this trying time.
“We also have the crew and their families in our thoughts and prayers.
“To those participants of the tournament that assisted in the search efforts, we thank you.”
Mr Lamond called the incident “an absolute freak tragedy”.
“There was definitely no shark attack as such involved,” he said.
“It was absolutely just an absolute freak tragedy that has occurred during the attempt to capture a fish.”
NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Luke Wiseman said Barning was on-board with three other people.
He said Mr Barning appeared to be a “very competent fisherman”.
The three others on board managed to make their way to the Nelson Bay area about 10pm on Sunday, where they underwent welfare assessments from paramedics.
“They declined clinical assessments,” Mr Wiseman told Sunrise.
“We provided chaplain services to work with them and support them while they actually engage with NSW Police.”
A multi-agency search was launched with multiple helicopters on Sunday afternoon.
“Crews from Water Police, Lifesaver helicopter, and Marine Rescue NSW are responding to reports a person has disappeared after falling overboard from a recreational fishing vessel 55km off the Newcastle coast,” a NSW Police spokesman said.
