Body recovered in sea search
A man has drowned at a popular fishing spot in Albany this morning and another person is missing.
Sea rescue crews were sent to the Salmon Holes at about 7.15am after police received a call about two men in difficulty in the water. Conditions at the time were rough with a huge swell up to seven metres.
The men, believed to be from China but who were living in Perth, were fishing on rocks when they were washed into the water by a large wave. It is understood they were tied together by a rope which had been secured to a rock.
Rescue volunteers warn of Salmon Holes danger
Rescuers have recovered the body of one man and are searching for the second person, who is believed to still be in the water. Grave concerns are held for his welfare.
It is believed the dead man's father was with the fishing group.
Conditions at the Salmon Holes were rough. Picture: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser
A rescue helicopter and a Department of Transport vessel have joined the search, which is being hampered by dangerous conditions.
Albany Sea Rescue Squad volunteer Murray Martin, who is co-ordinating the land-based operation, said conditions were atrocious.
“We did have the jet skis out there but it was too rough," he said.
“You’re talking a 7m sea, it’s like a washing machine out there at the moment, it’s crazy.”
A rope, tackle box and rods belonging to the men have been recovered.
The Salmon Holes is a notoriously dangerous beach which has claimed 11 lives in the past 32 years. Many of those were fishermen swept off rocks.
Rescuers search for the missing person. Picture: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser
Police want to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time of the tragedy or assisted in initial rescue attempts. Calls should be made to Albany Police on 98929300 or the police assistance centre on 131444.
