A multi-agency search for a fisherman missing off Australia’s east coast has been massively expanded.
The search, which was widened on Monday afternoon, began after a 56-year-old man failed to return from a day of fishing.
He departed from Batemans Bay Marina on the NSW South Coast about 6am on Saturday.
There was contact with him at 10am. But emergency services were called when he failed to return on Saturday night.
The search initially focused on an area between Ulladulla and Merimbula but it was widened as it continued on Monday.
Led by the Marine Area Command, vessels, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters have scoured as far north as Port Stephens and as far south as the Victorian border – an area spanning about 700 kilometres.
Four Marine Rescue NSW vessels are involved.
The expanded search followed unconfirmed public sightings of the man’s eight-metre Arvor cruiser.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said crews were determined to find the 56-year-old.
“All of our dedicated volunteers are tired but ready to continue,” he said.
“They are an incredible group of committed people.”
Massey said there were almost 30 volunteers on the water on Sunday across six vessels, covering an area from Ulladulla to Merimbula and up to 22 kilometres seaward under the direction of police.
Surf Life Saving Australia and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority are also involved.
-AAP
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