POLICE and other emergency teams are south of Forster today, searching for a 54-year-old man who has been missing since yesterday afternoon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
His car has been found at Booti Booti National park.
Local SES personnel also joined the search around lunchtime.
This follows two separate incidents at Port Macquarie yesterday that prompted the Commander of NSW Police Force's Marine Area Command to re-issue a warning for all rock fishermen and anglers to be aware of dangerous surf conditions.
Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings has again advised rock fishermen and anglers to take extreme caution when fishing along the coastline.
The discovery of fishing equipment on rocks at Lighthouse Road at about 12.30pm yesterday resulted in a large search of the area.
"A 46-year-old man's body was subsequently discovered one kilometre north of Miners Beach," Det Supt Hutchings said.
"This tragic incident has again highlighted the need for anglers to be vigilant when they venture onto rocks.
"Extreme caution should be exercised whenever you are near the waterline but, with bigger surf conditions, anglers need to constantly consider their location and availability of safety equipment.
"The messages to all rock fishermen and anglers are: Always wear a life jacket and appropriate shoes; Check the current tides, swell and likely weather forecasts for the time you intend to be out; Even if you are aware of the forecast, have a careful look at conditions BEFORE venturing onto a rock platform, continue to monitor for any deterioration in conditions; and, Never fish by yourself.
"The message is clear: it could be very risky to be rock fishing along the coast in coming days," Det Supt Hutchings said.
Useful website: www.beachsafe.org.au
For emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.