Nikola Arcaba: Rock fisherman dies after being swept out to sea off Wollongong Harbour

The rock fisherman who drowned after being swept off rocks at Wollongong Harbour on Monday has been identified as Balgownie man Nikola Arcaba.

The heroic and selfless actions of a young constable are being commended after he did not hesitate to jump into a large swell to try and save an elderly rock fisherman swept out to sea at Wollongong Harbour.

Tragically, the fisherman, 73-year-old Nikola Arcaba died after entering the water at Belmore Basin about 12.50pm on Monday.

A member of the public went to Mr Arcaba’s aid in a small boat, while emergency services rushed to the scene.

A male constable attached to Wollongong Police District arrived and jumped into the water to assist, with a lifeguard on a jet ski travelling out to bring the constable and fisherman back to shore.

However, Mr Arcaba could not be revived.

Acting Inspector Kelly Zorn offered condolences to Mr Arcaba’s family and praised the actions of the constable, other officers, members of the public and emergency services who helped.

“The actions of the young constable were heroic,” she said. “He has only been in the job for a couple of years. Thank goodness he could swim well. It was quite a feat given the huge swell.

Fishermen on the rocks on Tuesday afternoon. Picture: Lisa Wachsmuth

“He didn’t hesitate to go in to help. It was not only him but two other young constables who started to ungun. They were prepared to go in as well but they didn’t need to.

“It was great work from all the constables. It shows how enthusiastic and selfless they are in protecting the community.”

Acting Insp Zorn said the constable was already back at work after popping home to get warm and have a shower.

She said he was doing well given the tragic circumstances but on his insistence he wanted to get back on the road to continue to protect the community.

Acting Insp Zorn said the fisherman was pulled from the water not wearing a life jacket but investigations would continue into whether or not he had one on initially.

“We do not believe he was in the act of fishing but he was there with the intention to do so,” she said.

“The public need to be aware of the weather and the big swells at the moment.

“They need to consider their own personal safety around the water so there are no more tragic accidents.

A barrier and a fence were present on Tuesday, the day after the tragedy. Picture: Lisa Wachsmuth

“My advice is to wear a life jacket for anyone who is rock fishing.

“It is definitely dangerous.”

She also commended the actions of another member of the public who was on shore and signalled the man in the boat to help.

“Thank you to the public for their assistance and to the police for always serving their community,” Acting Insp Zorn said.

On Tuesday, a fence and barriers cordoned off a section of the harbour, however, that didn’t deter some fishermen from testing the waters near where Mr Arcaba was swept off the rocks.

Police have since commenced an investigation and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Wollongong Police on [phone] or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.