Tragedy Off Sydney: Fisherman Di-es After Boat Overturns Near Bare Island, No Life Vests Worn
A man has died after a fishing boat capsized off Bare Island at La Perouse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The man, believed to be in his 60s, was winched from the seas by a Westpac rescue helicopter after the small fishing boat he was on flipped when hit by a wave.
Paramedics conducted CPR after the man was placed down onto nearby grasslands, but it was too late. The man suffered a cardiac arrest and couldn’t be saved.
“There’s all debris everywhere. Someone got lifted out of the water and, like, lifeless. So it’s like a dead weight,” one witness said.
“I thought, oh, my God, what am I witnessing here? Really strange to see that.”
His 74-year-old mate had to hold on to floating debris to survive. Neither were believed to be wearing life vests.
The 74-year-old was rescued with the help of civilian divers and taken to Prince of Wales Hospital with minor injuries.
Detective Inspector Ryan Booker from NSW Police urged boaties to take precautions.
“Wear a lifejacket, check the sea conditions, and wear the conditions before leaving,” he said.
Despite the water being quite calm, locals explained there is a bombora in the area — a sea wave that breaks over a shallow area and is notoriously dangerous for boaties.
“The wave’s quite forceful around the island itself,” one said.
7NEWS understands the impact took place about 10 metres offshore.
