NSW Police suspend search for missing Nelson Chan and son Josh at Storm Bay

The search for a missing father and son who failed to return home after fishing has been suspended, despite police holding ‘major concerns’.

The desperate search for a father and son who went missing during a fishing trip has been suspended.

Police were called after Nelson Chan, 47, and his 17-year-old son Josh, failed to return home after a fishing trip at Storm Bay, south of Kiama Harbour in the Illawarra.

Family raised the alarm after the experienced fishermen failed to return to their southwestern Sydney home at their planned arrival time of midnight on Tuesday.

The search for the missing father and son has been suspended. Picture: NSW Marine Command

The pair left home about 3pm on Monday and texted family about 5.20pm to explain they were “going good” and were fishing.

That was the last time they were heard from.

Family had been waiting for updates at Storm Bay. Picture: 7 NEWS

Officers from the Lake Illawarra Police District, Marine Area Command, Police Divers, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, Polair, Marine Rescue, SES, and Surf Life Saving NSW assisted in the extensive search for the father and son.

SES members were out assisting NSW Police Force and other emergency services during the search efforts. Picture: NSW SES Shellharbour City Unit

However, NSW Police have since confirmed the operation was suspended about 1.30pm on Thursday.

It comes after Superintendent Craig Ireland told reporters on Tuesday that police had found Mr Chan’s plus the pair’s fishing gear and a phone at the top of the rock edge near the blowhole.

“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,” Superintendent Ireland said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.