Emergency services personnel involved in the rescue of John 'Stinker' Clarke last week have reunited with the 77-year-old fisherman following his remarkable survival at sea.
About 6pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026, emergency services were alerted after Mr Clarke failed to return home from a fishing trip. A coordinated marine search and rescue operation was launched involving Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, Port Stephens Water Police and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
About 8.30pm, the helicopter crew located Mr Clarke's overturned vessel smashed against rocks approximately 400 metres southwest of Fingal Lighthouse. A short time later, Mr Clarke – wearing a lifejacket – was found in the water nearby.
Officers attached to Port Stephens Water Police, Sergeant Brown and Senior Constable Grice, were directed to the location where they pulled Mr Clarke from the water and began first aid.
Responders faced challenging conditions, including 15-knot southerly winds and a 2.5-metre swell.
Mr Clarke was taken to Nelson Bay Public Wharf, escorted by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers who helped shield the vessel from heavy seas. At the wharf, he was treated by a Westpac Rescue Helicopter doctor and NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Tomaree Hospital and later transferred to John Hunter Hospital for the treatment of severe hypothermia and abrasions.
This morning (Tuesday 30 June 2026), crews from NSW Police Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Marine Rescue NSW, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter reunited with Mr Clarke to share stories of his rescue.
Speaking after the reunion, Sergeant Brown said Mr Clarke's survival was a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation on the water.
"Lifejackets save lives – and this rescue is a perfect example of why you should always wear the appropriate lifejacket for the activity you're undertaking," Sgt Brown said.
"Lifejackets fitted with reflectors can make all the difference when crews are searching at night.
"Every time you head out on the water, you should wear a lifejacket, log on and off with Marine Rescue NSW using the free app or VHF Channel 16, and make sure someone knows where you're going and when you'll be back," Sgt Brown said.
"It's also critical to carry the required safety equipment for your vessel and the conditions."
Mr Clarke recounted his ordeal, describing how a routine fishing trip quickly turned into a fight for survival.
"I went to my normal fishing spot and there was so much activity. I caught two really nice snapper," he said.
"The sea got a bit too big, so I decided to leave. As I was pulling the anchor up, a wave came straight over the top and filled the boat with water.
"The boat overturned, and I clung to it for a while before pushing away from the rocks into deeper water. I always have a plan B, but this time I didn't. I was at the mercy of the sea.
"As it got dark, I thought I was coming to the end of the line," Mr Clarke said.
"I didn't panic. I just thought, if I'm going to survive, a helicopter will have to come.
"And if a helicopter comes, they'll contact Water Police, and Sergeant Clint Brown – who I've known since he was 12 – will come and pick me up.
"And that's exactly what happened."
