NSW: Vigilance on water urged in wake of four deaths

AAP General News (Australia)
12-24-2001
NSW: Vigilance on water urged in wake of four deaths

By Denise McNamara

SYDNEY, Dec 24 AAP - Police today urged extra vigilance in NSW waterways following
four deaths in separate fishing tragedies over the Christmas period.

A spear fisherman missing on the NSW south coast was found dead this morning while
hopes of finding two fishermen missing since Friday have disappeared after police found
the body of one of their young sons.

The 44-year-old diver from the Southern Highlands ventured into Boat Harbour waters
at Bendalong yesterday morning but failed to return home.

His wife raised the alarm yesterday afternoon and authorities recovered his body at
about 10am (AEDT) today after a massive search, a police spokeswoman said.

His death comes as the town of Nana Glen on the mid-north coast mourns the death of
12-year-old Rory Howland and the feared loss of his father Greg, 42, and family friend
Ian Williamson, 42, who left Sandy Beach to go fishing on Thursday.

Conditions were rough and police believe their small runabout capsized.

They were not reported missing until noon (AEDT) Friday by which time weather conditions
had deteriorated.

Rory's body clad in a life vest was recovered on Saturday night but an air and water
search failed to find any trace of the two men.

Police called off a massive search for the pair yesterday and they are feared drowned.

Boat travellers should check the weather before their journey, check safety equipment
and not take chances, a police spokesperson advised.

"We're encouraging all people using NSW waterways to remain vigilant to relevant safety
issues, particularly in the face of four deaths in four days in fishing accidents.

"The thing to remember about water safety is it's no different from road safety.

"A lot of the same issues apply and people should treat their recreational marine vessels
with no less respect than they would their motor vehicles on the roads.

"If you're going offshore, log on and off with local marine rescue authorities."

AAP dmc/ph/de

KEYWORD: FISHERMEN NIGHTLEAD

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