The body of a man has been located during the search for a missing fisherman on the South Coast.
About 11.30am today (Friday 26 September 2025), police were called to Bass Point, Shellharbour, following reports by local scuba divers that they had located the body of a male person underwater and fishing gear washed up on the shore.
Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District responded and commenced an investigation.
Marine Area Command, with assistance from Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW and the Westpac helicopter responded to the area to assist with the search.
Police were told a 45-year-old male fisherman left Shellharbour Marina yesterday (Thursday 25 September 2025), last contacting authorities about 11pm, indicating he would return at 11am today.
Further investigation and enquiries led police to believe the located male and the overdue vessel were related.
About 6pm today, police divers recovered the body of a man near the sunken vessel off Bass Point.
Although the body is yet to be identified, it is believed to be that of the 45-year-old fisherman.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
