Rescuers puzzled in search for fisherman swept off rocks at Kilcunda

An appeal to Victorians with missing friends or family is the next step in a puzzling search for a fisherman.

Police and life savers searching for a missing fisherman after he was swept off the rocks.

Victorians missing a family member or friend who planned to travel to the Kilcunda are urged to get in touch with police following a fisherman’s disappearance.

Emergency services have scowered the coastline for a man police fear was washed off the rocks and into the water near the George Bass Walking Trail around 10.30am on Sunday, March 28.

Now police are appealing for witnesses to provide more information on the puzzling case.

Detectives also want to speak to anyone who was aware of someone intending to travel to Kilcunda to fish on the weekend and who had failed to return home.

Senior Sergeant Andrew O’Brien said six witnesses were “fairly certain” they saw a man on the rocks but he disappeared after a wave came.

Witnesses told police that the man was wearing a knee length dark coat at the time.

A helicopter scours waters off Kilcunda for a missing fisherman on Sunday. Picture: Twitter/@davmoro

A land and air search was conducted on Sunday and Monday with the assistance of the police air wing, Life Saving Victoria and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service but they were unable to find anyone in the water.

“At this stage, inquiries are ongoing because we haven’t had anyone reported missing and we haven’t found a car that’s been left in a carpark,” Sen-Sgt O’Brien said.

“We don’t have 100 per cent certainty that someone was in the water.”

Police are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time or witnessed a person on the rocks to get in touch.

Multiple signs are placed across the coastline of Kilcunda, warning people of unexpected large waves and slippery rocks.

A warning sign at Kilcunda for breaking waves on the rocks.

Life Saving Victoria state agency commander Kane Treloar said safety equipment should be worn.

“It is critically important (for rock fishers) to wear appropriate safety equipment, including a life jacket and gripped shoes,” Mr Treloar said.

“Should an incident occur, a life jacket will buy you time to survive while waiting for help to arrive.”

Lifesavers from Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club responded to the incident.

The search comes as Victoria has recorded its worst ever drowning season.

The state has recorded the most deadly year in the water on record, with at least 44 people drowning since July 1, 2020.

Life Saving Victoria pleaded with cooped-up Victorians to be wary around the water following the horror spate of drownings over summer.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

[e-mail]