Marine Rescue NSW vessels and volunteer crews from Narooma, Bermagui and Merimbula are on standby to continue the multi-agency search for a missing 56-year-old fisherman on the state’s South Coast tomorrow (Monday 21 July).

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said the search area and crew taskings will be confirmed by Marine Area Command in the morning.

“We are expecting to be on the water at 8:30am on Monday,” he said.

Six Marine Rescue NSW vessels searched waters today (Sunday 20 July). Inspector Massey said vessels and volunteers from Marine Rescue Ulladulla, Batemans Bay, Tuross Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui and Merimbula recommenced the search at 8:30am.

“There were almost 30 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on the water across six vessels today, supported by our highly skilled radio operators at Marine Rescue Batemans Bay and Bermagui.

“The Marine Rescue NSW vessels covered a significant area from Ulladulla to Merimbula and up to 12 nautical miles (22km) seaward under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command.

“Conditions were reasonably favourable offshore, and there were a lot of whales in the search area.

“Our crews were progressively stood down throughout the day, with Ulladulla 30 and Merimbula 31 the first, as we managed crew fatigue and fuel loads.

“Narooma 30 and Bermagui 30 were the last of our vessels on the water – they were stood down for the day at 4:30pm.

“All of our dedicated volunteers are tired but ready to continue tomorrow. They are an incredible group of committed people,” he said.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.