Warning: South West Rocks bar claims boater's life

A man has died and another has been rescued after their boat overturned and sank in rough conditions on the hazardous Macleay River bar at South West Rocks this afternoon.

Another boater in the vicinity called the Marine Rescue Trial Bay radio base to raise the alarm about noon today February 24

Rescue vessel Trial Bay 30 (second photo), with skipper Jon Cragg and crew members Rob Hose and Helen Fedoroff on board, and Rescue Water Craft Trial Bay 11, operated by Josh Woodhead, were immediately deployed.

MRNSW Mid North Coast Regional Controller John Murray said the RWC had located both men, who were then retrieved from the water by Trial Bay 30.

A comprehensive search continued until it was determined no other people remained in the water.

Mr Murray said both boaters had been wearing lifejackets, as required when crossing a bar.

"Our boat crew, RWC operator and radio operator Donna Polkinghorne, who provided valuable communications coordination, are to be commended for their swift and professional response to this serious emergency," he said.

"The Macleay River bar can be unpredictable and conditions were choppy today. The two men had done the right thing by wearing their life jackets but unfortunately this incident has resulted in a fatality.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased man, who was simply out for a day’s boating."

He said critical incident support would be provided to the Trial Bay members.

As we go to print this this story there are forecasts for a low-pressure system to develop on the East Coast.

SAFE FISHING ALERT ISSUED
Hazardous conditions Thursday 25 to Sat 27 February
The BOM is forecasting that a southerly change is expected on Thursday through southern and central coastal districts as a cold front and low pressure trough cross the state. South to southeasterly winds will extend along the entire New South Wales coast starting on Thursday and continuing through to Saturday.

For the Hunter and all parts of the coast north, this will bring large and powerful surf conditions with seas of up to 2 metres and swell of 2-3 metres, hazardous for coastal activities such as crossing bars by boat and rock fishing.

Stay safe, always watch the local conditions before fishing and never turn your back on the ocean.

Check local conditions before planning a fishing trip by going to BOM district forecasts at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/map.shtml