One Man Dead, Another Critical After Being Rescued From Surf At Shoal Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Port Stephens community has been rocked by the death of a swimmer at Shoal Bay.

Police say the 24-year-old man and another 25-year-old man, both Nepalese nationals were swimming at Zenith Beach at about 2.45 yesterday afternoon when they got into trouble in the surf.

It's believed a group of teenagers came to their aid, pulling both men from the water.

The younger man could not be revived and died at the scene.

The other man remains in the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.
 

Zenith Beach next to Tomaree Mountain at Shoal Bay

 

Man Drowns At Catherine Hill Bay

 BY IAN CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a man died after being pulled from the surf at Catherine Hill Bay.

Emergency services were called at about 2.45pm on Thursday following reports a man had been pulled from the surf unconscious.

Lifeguards and paramedics administered CPR, however the 55-year-old could not be revived.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

17th Fingal Bay Drowning Prompts Calls for Increased Safety Measures

BY JORDANN LAVERS

A 71-year old man died at Fingal Bay in Port Stephens on Easter Sunday just after 10:00am on a family beach visit. 

Lifeguards were quick to respond to calls for help, with the man found floating in water near the infamous sand spit.

His young female relative was able to make it to safety.

Emergency services were called to reports a man was unresponsive in the water.

NSW Ambulance paramedics administered CPR however, the man was unable to be revived. 

This incident follows at least 16 other fatalities at the dangerous northern end of Fingal Bay, prompting immediate calls for an increase in basic safety measures. 

President of the Hunter Branch of NSW Surf Life Saving Henry Scruton is hoping additional signage and portable location beacons with a direct radio link to the surf club will be implemented at the popular holiday destination.

Mr Scruton says visitors should be vigilant when using the Bay's waterways.

"It is safe to swim in as long as you have the ability to swim but if you are not a good swimmer don't go over to that island especially when the tides are changing," he said.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reviewing the incident to identify any further measures which need to be implemented to increase visitor awareness in future. 

A spokesperson said "visitor safety is a priority." 

Image: Marine Rescue Port Stephens

 

 

Two Men Lose Their Lives In Coastal Waters Off Port Stephens

 BY IAN CROUCH

It's been a tragic weekend in coastal waters around Port Stephens, with two men found dead in the apace of two hours.

Police were called to Wreck Beach near Shoal Bay at about 7.40am on Saturday after a man failed to return from surfing.

They arrived to find the body of a man believed to aged in his 50's in the surf.

Then just after 9am, witnesses spotted the body of a man about 60 metres offshore in Swan Bay.

While the man's body is yet to be formally identified, it's believed to that of a 44-year-old.

Reports are being prepared for the Coroner.  

Man and Woman Drown At Frazer Beach

 BY IAN CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a man and woman drowned at Frazer Beach south of Catherine Hill Bay.

Emergency services were called to the beach just before 4.20 on Wednesday afternoon to reports two people had been pulled from the water unresponsive.

Witnesses commenced CPR before paramedics arrived, however despite their best efforts the pair, believed to be aged in their 40's could not be revived.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

Two people were pulled from the water unresponsive at Frazer Beach Picture News Limited

Police Investigate Suspected Drowning At East Maitland

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police are asking for our help as they investigate a suspected drowning at East Maitland on Australia Day.

Emergency services were called to a home on Raymond Terrace Road at about 9.45pm last Thursday to reports a man was found unresponsive in a pool.

Despite the efforts of residents of the home along with police and paramedics, the man could not be revived.

He's been identified as a 19-year-old from Kahibah.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers.

Notorious Rocks Claim Another Life At Snapper Point

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police say a fisherman who was swept to his death off rocks south of Catherine Hill Bay was wearing a life jacket.

Emergency services were called to Snapper Point at about 8 o'clock on Saturday morning after receiving reports the man had been swept into the sea.

His body was found on a rock ledge off Frasers Beach about 24 hours later.

Lifesavers say the man was wearing a life jacket but it came off in the water.

At least 19 people have been lost between Wybung Point and Catherine Hill Bay since 2011.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Snapper Point south of Catherine Hill Bay

UPDATE: Man Drowns While Swimming at Nobbys Beach

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A report will be prepared for the Coroner after 57-year-old Dale Laverty, drowned while swimming at Nobbys beach in Newcastle on Friday morning. 

Emergency services were called to reports Mr Laverty, a lifeguard, was missing just before 8am, after being found unconscious in the water.

He reportedly got into trouble during an exercise test and was brought to shore by his colleagues.

Lifeguards commenced CPR until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics, however, he died at the scene.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital. 

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“When the call comes in stating a man is missing in the water, you can’t help but think the worst," says Deputy Director of Operations at NSW Ambulance, Jordan Emery. 

“When we arrived on Nobbys Beach we were faced with a difficult scene this morning.”

“Lifeguards and bystanders did an amazing job, providing resuscitation until paramedics arrived. They should be commended.”  

“As we become more active in and around water during the summer months, it’s so important that we remain vigilant to the potential dangers - It only takes a moment for anyone to get themselves into trouble.

Man Swept To His Death At Port Stephens

BY IAN CROUCH

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a man was swept off rocks and drowned at Port Stephens.

Police say two men were on the rocks at Boulder Bay south of Fingal Bay yesterday morning when they were swept into the water by a wave.

Two friends nearby threw life jackets to the men but only one was able to grab it.

Surf Lifesavers were alerted and found the body of a 32-year-old man from Merrylands in Sydney.

The other man was rescued and taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

Investigations are continuing.

Surf Lifesavers Issue Warning After Teenage Boy Drowned Off Bar Beach

BY IAN CROUCH

Surf Lifesavers are urging people to think carefully before they enter the water after a teenage boy drowned off Bar Beach.

The 16-year-old was jumping from rocks into the water from the headland between Susan Gilmore and Bar Beach at about 3.30pm on Sunday when he failed to re-surface.

He was pulled from the water by the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter but couldn't be revived.

Surf Lifesaving Chief Executive, Steven Pearce says activities like these can turn deadly if people aren't careful.

"The warning is always to swim at patrolled locations between the red and yellow flags, but on this particular occasion what we're asking people is to take time to plan and just think about your actions and as much as it's fantastic fun doing some of these activities,  they can end in tragic circumstances," he said.

Emergency Services attended but the teenager was unable to be revived. Image: Jarrod Melmeth