An experienced fisherman, Paul Barning, was pulled overboard by a shark entangled in fishing gear during a competition in Australia. Despite search efforts, Barning remains missing, highlighting the inherent risks of game fishing and raising questions about safety measures.
On a somber note from down under, authorities report a tragic incident involving a seasoned fisherman during a competition. Let's dive into the details.
On a fateful Sunday, a fisherman, later identified as Paul Barning, was participating in a fishing competition when tragedy struck. According to Australian police, Barning fell overboard after a shark became entangled in his fishing gear.
The incident occurred approximately 34 miles off the coast of Newcastle near Port Stephens. Preliminary investigations suggest that Barning was attempting to bring a large shark alongside his 6.8-meter boat, named Dark Horse, when the shark became entangled in the fishing line.
"During that process of bringing the shark alongside, he's become tangled in the fishing line, and the shark has taken off, and that fishing line was pulled taut and maybe contributed to him going over the side of the vessel,"
Superintendent Joe McNulty of the Marine Area Command explained, emphasizing that there is no evidence suggesting a direct shark attack.
Following the alert received around 1 p.m. on Sunday, authorities initiated a search for the 58-year-old Barning. The search continued into Monday, with hopes of finding him. It was noted that Barning was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident, raising concerns about safety measures.
Paul Barning was not just any fisherman; he was a prominent figure in the New South Wales Game Fishing Association and served as the secretary and past president of the Port Hacking game fishing club. Described as a "highly experienced game fisherman," his involvement in the NSWGFA Interclub State Championships underscores his passion for the sport.
Game fishing involves catching, tagging, and releasing game fish, including marlins, tunas, and sharks. Points are awarded based on the species and size of the fish. Sharks such as Blue, Smooth Hammerhead, Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, Tiger, and Great White are among the species eligible for points, according to the NSWGFA rulebook. Competitors also receive prizes for catching the heaviest shark and the most sharks. The shark that Barning caught was believed to be a Mako, police said, which can reach up to 13 feet long, according to the NOAA Fisheries.
The NSWGFA acknowledged the incident in a statement, with president Steve Lamond stating:
"This devastating accident highlights the risks involved in doing what we all love, game fishing. Please look out for each other and stay safe."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with game fishing. As investigations continue, questions regarding safety protocols and preventative measures are likely to arise within the fishing community.