A search for a missing fisherman who fell overboard off the coast of New South Wales, Australia has been suspended. The 58-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, was on board his boat, Dark Horse, about 34 miles off Port Stephens near Newcastle when he lost contact.
According to initial reports, the man became entangled in fishing gear before falling overboard around 1 pm local time on Sunday. However, police have not confirmed that a shark attack occurred as some media outlets had reported.
The search effort continued through Tuesday evening but was suspended at 5 pm due to lack of signs of the man’s remains or any potential cause of death. An investigation into his disappearance will now be led by the coroner.
The New South Wales Game Fishing Association has paid tribute to the missing fisherman, Paul Barning, describing him as a “much loved” and “revered” member who died in a tragic accident while fishing on Sunday. The association denied reports of a shark attack as “fabricated and untrue”.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/02/25/paul-barning-fisherman-australia/80315928007