Fisherman dies after being swept off rocks with boy, 14, in Easter weekend tragedy

A fisherman has sadly died after being swept out to sea in front of a 14-year-old boy on Easter weekend.

Emergency services were called to Wattamolla following reports two people were off rocks when they were swept into the water. Officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command, PolAir, Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving NSW and NSW Ambulance paramedics attended. After a short search of the water two people were successfully winched from the sea.

The tragic incident happened at around 11am local time on Sunday, April 20 south of Sydney, .

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The man was pulled from the water unconscious and sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services at the scene, he was unable to be saved. The teenage boy was rushed to hospital for treatment. The relation between the pair has not yet been disclosed.

Initial inquiries have led police to believe the man was fishing on a rock wall nearby when the tragedy struck and he was swept into the water. However, NSW police have launched a full investigation in order to establish exactly what happened.

"One man was unable to be revived and died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified. A 14-year-old boy was taken to the Children’s Hospital at Randwick where he remains in a stable condition."

The man who lost his life is yet to be formally identified by authorities and the next stage of the investigation is for a report to be prepared for the Coroner, police confirmed.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway and police are appealing for any witnesses who have not yet come forward to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or . Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Wattamolla, also known as Wattamolla Beach, is a cove, lagoon, and beach on the New South Wales coast just south of Sydney, within the Royal National Park. While most people visit Wattamolla to enjoy a picnic or the beautiful beach, it has a natural swimming spot, an amazing lookout which is perfect for whale watching, and several walking tracks in the whole park.

Wattamolla is also a popular spot for fishing, particularly for Southern yellowtail amberjack, Australian salmon, and Dusky flathead. Fishing is allowed in Wattamolla Lagoon and other areas within the park, but visitors are reminded to be aware of any potential closures or restrictions.

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