The search for a missing diver at Barragga Bay has resumed Saturday morning after no trace was found in a multi-agency search operation on Friday.
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The diver, believed to be a 54-year-old local man, was reported missing about 10.30am December 27, when he failed to return as planned from a spear fishing dive.
It's understood he was scuba diving with family members at the time but did not surface as expected and the alert was raised with local police and emergency services.
A huge search operation involving Surf Life Saving personnel and equipment, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, Australian Lifeguard Service, Marine Rescue, NSW Police divers and Ambulance paramedics were all on scene at Barragga Bay, 13km south of Bermagui throughout the day.
Lifesavers provided two Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs), two jetskis with swimmers, an additional swimmer and duty officer to the operation while the lifeguards assisted with a swimmer and a UAV operator from shore.
Around 3pm the lifesavers were stood down as police divers took over the search supported by a police helicopter.
Police divers suspended their search at 7pm, but have resumed from 8am Saturday morning.
Marine Rescue Bermagui rescue vessel Bermagui 30 will provide an operating platform for NSW Police divers.
Crew members Ray McLeod, Caron Parfitt, Greg Jones and Dennis Walker departed Bermagui Harbour for a second day on the operation, with the police divers on board.
The crew on Friday worked with other emergency services scouring the water and rocky coastline for signs of the missing man.
Sea dye was deployed to determine the sea current and drift.
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Surf Life Saving NSW urges precautions
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said ahead of the weekend, that people visiting the coast should think before undertaking any activity.
He cautioned that it's especially important for activities that are year-on-year responsible for a high number of drownings like rock fishing, diving or boating.
"It's so important if you're planning on doing an activity in the ocean or on our coastline that you take precautions that include checking conditions before you go via www.beachsafe.org.au, telling someone when and where you're going and equipping yourself with all the correct safety gear," Mr Pearce said.
In 2018/19 there were 44 coastal drowning deaths. Rock fishing accounted for eight deaths followed by five caused by diving/snorkelling
Forty NSW beaches will be patrolled by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) this season. NSW two separate programs; Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Drone Program (26 locations) and the NSW DPIs Shark Drone Program (18 locations).
SLSNSW Beach Safety Tips
- Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the Beachsafe app or website
- Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information
- Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm
- In an emergency, dial Triple Zero Police
- For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafe website or download the app.