Massive air, sea search for father, son missing off Kiama

Emergency crews are involved in an air and sea search for the Liverpool pair after they failed to return from a fishing trip. Police fear the pair have been swept off rocks.

There were emotional scenes at Storm Bay in Kiama on Tuesday as loved ones arrived on the scene of a massive air and sea search that is underway for a Sydney father and son who failed to return from a coastal fishing trip.

The 47-year-old man and his teenage son, 17, left their home in the Liverpool area on Monday for a day trip to Storm Bay, south of Kiama Harbour.

At 3am on Tuesday, concerned relatives contacted police when the pair failed to return home and their mobile phones went unanswered.

Emergency services on scene at Storm Bay in Kiama during a search for a father and son who are missing. Picture: Richard Dobson

A search for the pair is now underway involving officers from Lake Illawarra Police District, Marine Area Command, Police Divers, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, Polair, Marine Rescue, SES, and Surf Life Saving NSW.

Superintendent Craig Ireland said the men had left home about 3pm on Monday and were last heard from about 5.20pm when they said they were “going good” and were fishing.

“They were expected home around midnight and they failed to return home, from there the family raised the alarm.”

Superintendent Ireland said police have found their car, fishing gear and a phone at the top of the rock edge near the blowhole.

“We have major concerns for the father and son and a major search and rescue operation underway at the moment,” Superintendent Ireland said.

“We are very concerned, it does appear in all likelihood they have been swept off the rocks, there was a large swell last night and a high tide at the time they were fishing.”

Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District, Marine Area Command, Police Divers, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, PolAir, Marine Rescue, SES, and Surf Life Saving NSW are all involved in the search for the two fisherman.

The men are reportedly experienced fishermen who know the area well, and no one saw them enter the water.

“We feel for the family, and we will do our best to locate them,” Superintendent Ireland.

“The family are distraught, very upset.”

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

— with NewsWire