A desperate search is underway for NSW fisherman Paul Barning, who vanished while competing in a fishing tournament 50km off the coast of Newcastle on Sunday.
The missing man was the skipper of the boat Dark Horse and a member of the Port Hacking Fishing Club.
What Happened?
It’s believed that Barning got tangled in a wire trace, a strong safety link between a fisherman’s hook and mainline, and was pulled into the water.
The incident occurred near Stockton Beach, a known breeding ground for great white sharks. In fact, there have been recent sightings of these predators in the area, making the search for Barning even more urgent.
Search Efforts Underway
The competition, which involved over 80 boats, was immediately cancelled, and the participating boats assisted in the multi-agency search alongside NSW Police and NSW Marine Rescue.
The search resumed on Monday, with hopes of finding Barning alive. You can watch the video above for more on the search efforts.
A Experienced Fisherman
Barning was no stranger to the shark-infested waters he disappeared in. In 2021, he and his team caught a massive 394kg tiger shark, which they brought back to the Port Hacking jetty on their boat.
The shark was so large that its head was dangling off the edge of the boat.
Despite his experience, the waters off Newcastle can be treacherous, and the recent sightings of great white sharks have raised concerns among fishermen.
Shark Sightings on the Rise
Just earlier this month, a group of fishermen reported encountering three sharks in a single day while fishing in the waters off Port Stephens.
One skipper, John Smith, captured close-up photos of a five-metre great white shark, highlighting the dangers that fishermen face in these waters.
Smith, who has been fishing most of his life, described the experience as “next level” and a rarity to see so many sharks in one day.
The search for Paul Barning continues, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. We’ll keep you updated on any developments in this story.