Group slammed for fishing on the rocks where fishermen died just days ago
Stunning footage has emerged of a group of people rock fishing among rough seas in the same spot where three people died after being swept into the sea just days earlier.
The footage was shared on Sunday to a fishing page dedicated to the Port Kembla area, on the NSW south coast.
“After few days of several people losing their lives more IDIOTS at the exact same spot risking their lives,” the person who shared the video to the group said.
“IF BIG SWELL STAY OFF THE LEDGES! Hit the harbour or lakes or rivers or even the fish market! PLZ repost let’s get the message out there!”
In the video, people are seen out on the rocks with the fishing lines in the water, with people off camera telling the people at the rocks to “hurry up” and “get out”.
A big wave then crashes into the rocks, wetting those out there fishing, while people off camera urge the people out on the rocks to get in before the next wave hits.
Several people in the comments on the original Facebook post also said the people rock fishing were “idiots”.
“Stupidity like this is only going to spoil it for the rest of us, absolutely ridiculous,” one person said.
According to the ABC, a 58-year-old was rescued at the spot on Sunday, after he was swept into the water and suffered minor injuries.
A member of the public called emergency services to the lookout after witnessing the fisherman being swept from the rocks, The Illawarra Mercury reported, adding that the man was not wearing a life jacket at the time and was struggling in the water.
The man was taken to Wollongong Hospital after he was rescued.
The fishing video has since been shared widely on social media. Surf Life Saving NSW shared the video to Facebook and said it was “astonishing” people were continuing to put their life at risk
“This is the location of the triple fatality last week at Port Kembla. Astonishing that people continue to put their lives at risk particularly in hazardous surf, like this,” Surf Life Saving NSW wrote.
Police were called to the same rocks in Port Kembla on Friday, January 22, after reports several people were washed off the rocks and into the water.
Shortly after emergency services were at the scene, the bodies of three men, aged 45, 49 and 69, were recovered from the water.
Surf Life Saving NSW Director of Lifesaving Joel Wiseman said the spot is prone to accidents and deaths.
“Rock fishing is very popular in this area, but sadly this location has seen numerous incidents and drownings over the years,” he said in the statement released on Saturday.
“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the men who died, and we are extremely grateful for the efforts of lifesavers and emergency services who did what they could to help."
According to Surf Life Saving NSW, there have been several callouts and rescues in recent days, many of those calls have been “rock related” - either people jumping from rocks or being swept from rocks.
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