Police call off search for fisherman
Police have called off the search for a man washed off rocks near Albany yesterday.
The missing man was fishing and was washed off rocks at Salmon Holes with another man early yesterday.
The body of the other man was recovered by rescuers at Salmon Holes yesterday but there was no sign of the second fisherman.
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.
Extensive land, air and sea search has been carried out with the assistance of Albany Volunteer Marine Rescue, a local fixed-wing aircraft, Department of Transport and Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.
"The severe sea conditions continue to challenge those searching the treacherous coastline," a police spokeswoman said.
"A decision has recently been made to maintain observations at regular intervals during daylight hours."
Police said access to the Salmon Holes fishing area was reopened around noon today, but anyone travelling to the area was reminded to take notice of the signs and take appropriate precautions for their own safety.
Rescue volunteers warn of Salmon Holes danger
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 joined the search yesterday, which was being hampered by dangerous conditions.
Albany Sea Rescue Squad volunteer Murray Martin, who is co-ordinating the land-based operation, said conditions yesterday 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.
Call Albany Police on 98929300 or the police assistance centre on 131444.
