UPDATED: Search Continues for Missing Fisherman Off Newcastle Coast

23 February 2025

First Published Sunday
LIVE Article – Updated 2:26pm Monday

newy.com.au – The search for missing fisherman Paul Barning, 58, entered its second day on Monday after he fell overboard during a fishing competition off the Newcastle coast. Barning, a highly experienced game fisherman and life member of the Port Hacking Game Fishing Club, was participating in the NSW Game Fishing Association’s interclub state championships when the incident occurred approximately 55 kilometers (30 nautical miles) east of Newcastle around 1:35 pm on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

According to the NSW Game Fishing Association, Barning became tangled in fishing tackle, specifically wire trace, while assisting another fisherman who had hooked a shark. The entanglement caused him to be pulled into the water in what has been described as a “freak accident.” Initial reports suggested a possible shark attack, but the association has firmly disputed this, stating there was no shark involvement.

Steve Lamond, a member of the NSW Game Fishing Association and a close friend of Barning, expressed shock at the incident.

“Paul is an excellent game fisherman, very experienced,” Lamond told Channel 9. “This is a freak accident, something we are unlikely to see again among professional fishers.”

A massive search operation was launched immediately, involving: NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, PolAir, Marine Rescue NSW, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, TOLL Rescue Helicopter, and Marine Rescue NSW. Approximately 20 private boats from the competition also assisted.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond confirmed that rescue vessels, including Port Stephens 31, Terrigal 30, and Newcastle 30, were deployed to conduct a parallel line search. The NSW Water Police vessel from Port Stephens and the lifesaver helicopter arrived at the scene by 3:10 pm and 2:45 pm on Sunday, respectively.

Despite extensive efforts, Barning has not been found, and the search resumed at 8 am on Monday, 24 February, 2025.

Paul Barning is a well-known figure in the game fishing community, having served as the secretary and a life member of the Port Hacking Game Fishing Club in Sydney’s south. Known for his expertise, Barning made headlines in 2021 for catching a massive tiger shark weighing over 394 kg, highlighting his skill and experience.

The incident has deeply affected the local fishing community, with many expressing their grief and concern for Barning’s family. The tragedy has sparked discussions about safety protocols during fishing competitions, with calls for enhanced measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

This tragedy follows another maritime incident off Newcastle in November 2024, when a Vietnamese crew member fell overboard from the cargo ship Double Delight and was rescued after nearly 24 hours at sea. He was found by a recreational fisherman near Blacksmiths Beach and treated for hypothermia at John Hunter Hospital.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the search continues. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.