A multi-agency search operation for a fisherman who fell from rocks yesterday at Timber Beach, near Snapper Point, has resumed.
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About 10.30am yesterday (Sunday), emergency services were called to Timber Beach, south of Caves Beach, following reports a rock fisherman had fallen into the water.
Police were told a 62-year-old man was fishing with two other people, when he fell off the rocks.
It is believed he was wearing a life jacket at the time.
Acting Inspector Stephen Wade from Tuggerah Lakes Police said the man had been fishing on rocks with his son-in-law when he lost his balance at about 10.30am.
"His son-in-law has caught a fish and he [the missing man] has gone to help him pick it up and fallen into the water. He hasn't been seen since," Acting Inspector Wade said.
A multi-agency search operation took place involving officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District, Marine Area Command, Police Divers, PolAir, Police Rescue, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.
Surf life saving assets tasked to respond included two jet skis and two inflatable rescue boats from Catherine Hill Bay Surf Life Saving Club, along with duty officers and the callout team from The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club.
Lifesavers searched the water around the rock platforms and swam into the cave to see if they could locate the missing man.
Lack of light in the cave meant the search was deemed too dangerous to continue and was called off.
Surf Life Saving assets are on standby at the location and are assisting police divers to conduct a search from the water.
Despite an extensive search of the water and surrounding land, the man was not located, and the search was suspended at 5.30pm.
The search resumed at 7am today.
The picturesque corner of Munmorah State Conservation Area has a tragic history, with 35 major emergency callouts, including nine drownings, occurring in the area in the past decade.