Woman Drowns at Snapper Point

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The notorious Snapper Point has claimed another life.

Emergency services were called to the area at about 5pm yesterday following reports a woman was in the water.

Police say the 43-year-old was rock-fishing with her husband in the Lake Munmorah Recreational Reserve when she was swept into the water by a wave.

She's not believed to have been wearing a floation vest.

The woman died at the scene before emergency services arrived. Her body was recovered by surf life savers and sadly couldn't be revived.

A report will be prepared for the coronor.

The tragic incident comes not even a week after a a 30-year-old man got caught in a rip and drowned at nearby Frazer Park.

Image aussiebushwalking.com.au

Notorious Fishing Spot Almost Claims Another Life

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter has rescued a man from Snapper Point after he jumped off the rocks and was swept into a cave.

The 18-year-old was with a large group of people who were all jumping off the rocks, but he got into difficulty and was swept away just after 11 this morning.

A paramedic was winched into the water and rescued him - they were both winched back up into the helicopter.

The man escaped without any injuries.

Two other men, aged 18, were also in trouble but managed to get themselves back onto land.

NSW Ambulance Duty Operations Manager Howard Russell says it's a really notorious spot for fishermen getting into trouble.

"Over the years we have been called there numerous times for similar cases where people get themselves into trouble in the water or just exploring around the rocks - it's very unpredictable, especially in condition like this the well can pick up pretty quickly and you can get yourself into a lot of strife."

The stretch of coastline in the Munmorah State Conservation Area is notorious for taking the lives of many rock fisherman. One man died in 2010 while rock fishing at Snapper Point, another man met the same fate in November 2011 and not even a year later in June 2012 another fisherman tragically died.

Woman Cheats Death After Being Swept Off Rocks

BY IAN CROUCH

The notorious Snapper Point south of Catherine Hill Bay almost claimed another life last night.

A 26-year-old woman was swept into the water while fishing off the rocks.

Her boyfriend threw a life ring to her which helped her stay afloat until she could be winched to safety by the Hunter's Westpac Rescue  helicopter.

She was flown to the John Hunter Hospital where she was treated for hypothermia and lacerations.

16 people have lost their lives along the notorious stretch of coastline between Catherine Hill Bay and Wybung Head in just 8 years.