Search to resume for fisherman missing in Royal National Park

A search for a missing fisherman feared swept off rocks in the Royal National Park south of Sydney has resumed.

Relatives told police the 71-year-old man left his home in Dundas, in Sydney’s north-west, on Friday morning to go fishing in the national park.

Volunteers on board Marine Rescue vessel Botany Port Hacking 30 searching for a missing rock fisherman.

When he did not return home on Saturday, his family went to his favourite fishing spot in the Royal National Park to look for him.

They found his car in a car park off Sir Bertram Stevens Drive about 6.30pm, but there was no sign of him, and they alerted officers from Sutherland Shire police area command.

Sunday’s search involved police as well as police marine area command, PolAir, State Emergency Service members, Marine Rescue NSW and Surf Life Saving. A command post was set up at the entrance of the Curra Moors walking track in the Royal National Park.

Marine Rescue NSW said it was believed the fisherman had been swept off the rocks at Garie Beach.

Inspector Steve Raymond said the crew of Botany Port Hacking 30 began parallel line searching with water police at 9am on Sunday.

“They spent six hours searching from Burning Palms up to Jibbon Head,” he said.

“BH 30 was stood down for the day at 3pm after searching an area of approximately 20 square nautical miles offshore.”

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the man at the weekend. He is described as being of Asian appearance, 178 centimetres tall, of medium build and with greying (salt and pepper) hair.

He was last seen wearing black track pants and a black parka jacket.

Anyone with information is urged to call Sutherland police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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