A significant search operation is currently taking place for a rock fisherman who was last spotted at Emerald Beach, located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.
Authorities have confirmed that the individual, a 32-year-old man from East Timor, was in Australia on a working holiday visa.
The search efforts are set to continue on Wednesday morning.
Family and friends of the East Timorese man, who was reportedly swept off the rocks at a headland in NSW, remain hopeful that he will be found safe as both aerial and maritime search operations are ongoing.
The search commenced around 8:40 PM on Monday after witnesses reported seeing the man being pulled into the ocean while he was fishing at the Emerald Beach Headland, situated north of Coffs Harbour. At the time of the incident, he was accompanied by two companions.
More than 20 fellow Timorese farm workers gathered at the headland to observe the ongoing search efforts on Tuesday.
Saturnina Belo, a friend of the missing man, expressed her sorrow, stating that they were all concerned for their cherished friend. “We have placed our faith in the Australian rescue teams, and we trust in their expertise and training. We hope that they can recover his body,” Ms. Belo remarked.
Rescue personnel have been scouring the coastline in search of any signs of the man, who has been identified by police as a national of Timor Leste, currently visiting Australia on a working holiday visa.
According to Police Inspector Peter O’Reilly, the man is believed to have “very limited swimming skills.” Inspector O’Reilly noted, “Current modeling indicates a flow to the south, so our search is primarily focused around the Emerald Headland area, before we shift southward, following the current’s direction.”
Inspector O’Reilly also mentioned that none of the three fishermen were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. “He is here with friends, working in the fields, picking fruit,” he added. “Sadly, individuals visiting Australia may not fully comprehend the dangers that the ocean can present.”
Ms. Belo shared details relayed to her by the other two Timorese fishermen who were present during the incident. “They came to enjoy fishing in this location,” she recounted. “The victim had caught a fish, but it got stuck in the rocks. He attempted to retrieve it but, unfortunately, was struck by a wave and swept into the sea.”
She described how his friends felt powerless as he called out for assistance repeatedly. “He shouted, ‘Help me, help me,’ but the waves were too high, and neither of them knew how to swim,” she explained. “They advised him to remove his clothes to help him float, but the relentless waves continued to pull him under.”
Woolgoolga Marine Rescue NSW’s duty operations manager, Courtney Greenslade, stated that the search on Monday night faced considerable challenges. “The conditions were tough, particularly since it was nighttime and the sea conditions worsened throughout the evening,” Ms. Greenslade mentioned.
The search is set to resume on Wednesday morning, with the addition of police divers. “We are waiting on the hill, hoping for a miracle,” Ms. Belo concluded. “We have faith in the Australian rescue teams and are hopeful they will recover his body.”
