Body of teen found after rock fishing tragedy
Police have found a body they believe belongs to Brenden Buxton Hurd, the young fisherman who was swept off the rocks at Port Kembla on Monday.
The 19-year-old was fishing with friends at the popular rock fishing spot near Wollongong when he was hit by a large wave and washed into the sea.
"Just before 1pm, a man’s body was located in waters nearby from where the missing man was last seen," police said in a statement.
"While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing 19-year-old man."
On Monday, the teen's friends, aged 17 and 50, rushed into the water in an attempt to rescue Mr Hurd after he'd been swept away.
But despite their efforts, they failed to find their friend.
Emergency services were called to the area at about 3.45pm as the two men were pulled from the water by witnesses and lifesavers. They each suffered minor injuries, police said.
A drastic search ensued, led by officers from Lake Illawarra Police District with paramedics, SES and surf lifesavers all working to find the young fisherman.
But it was called off shortly before 6pm due to deteriorating conditions and fading light, only to be picked up again on Tuesday morning.
Efforts continued in the days that followed when police confirmed on Wednesday they'd located a body believed to be the teen.
A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner, they said.
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MP's call for action at dangerous fishing spot
Local MP Paul Scully took to Facebook following the news of the fisherman's death.
He said "enough is enough" as he called for increased safety in the area.
"This site needs to be designated as a location requiring life jackets to be worn, a warning or emergency alert system needs to be installed and an awareness campaign beyond the Illawarra about the dangers at this spot needs to be launched," he wrote on Facebook.
"Yes, there is a need for personal responsibility but governments at all levels also to do everything they can to support and encourage safe practices."
Mr Scully urged the Council and NSW government to work together with "all organisations" to find a way to make the popular site safer.
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