News by Cydonee Mardon
Premium Content Only one of three fishermen who drowned after being swept off a rock platform south of Sydney on Friday night was wearing a lifejacket. Emergency services rushed to the popular rock fishing spot at Hill 60 in Port Kembla about 10pm on Friday after reports large waves had swept multiple people into the water. Five men were swept off the rocks but two managed to clamber back to safety. Three men, 45-year-old Tiuli Misipati and 49-year-old Tauasa Taugaele from Green Valley in Sydney s south west and 69-year-old Joo Sung Jung from Campsie, drowned. Lake Illawarra Police Acting Commander Gordon Dunlop said the men in their 40s were related but did not know the 69-year-old.
A fourth man’s body has been recovered after he was swept off a breakwall at Coffs Harbour in the state’s north on Thursday night.
Only 24 hours later, tragedy struck again as the huge swells pounded a popular rock fishing spot known as Hill 60 at Port Kembla, south of Wollongong.
Police have been told by witnesses that a group of fishermen were standing on rocks about 10pm on Friday when a large wave broke onto them, knocking several people into the water.
Search crews suspended their activities about midday on Saturday.
Credit:Marine Rescue NSW
Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District attended, with the assistance of the Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, rescue helicopters and local lifeguards.
Date Time
Three people deceased after being swept into surf at Port Kembla
Just after 10pm today (Friday 22 January 2021), emergency services responded to reports that up to 3 people had been washed into the surf at Port Kembla.
Police have been told by witnesses that the group were standing on rocks near an area known as Hill 60 when a large wave broke onto a group of people knocking them into the surf.
Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District are currently on scene, with the assistance of the Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, as well as rescue helicopters and local lifeguards.
Date Time
Three die after being swept into sea at Port Kembla
Police will continue to conduct sweeps of the foreshore around Port Kembla after three men died after being swept into the sea overnight.
A major emergency response began about 10pm yesterday (Friday 22 January 2021), responding to reports several people had been washed off rocks into the sea at Port Kembla.
Police were told by witnesses a group of men were standing on rocks near an area known as Hill 60 when a large wave hit them knocking them into the surf.
Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District and Marine Area Command began searching for the men, assisted by NSW Ambulance, rescue helicopters and local lifeguards.