‘Much loved’ man who fell overboard during fishing competition named
February 24, 2025
The man missing after falling overboard during a fishing competition off the New South Wales coast has been identified as a “much loved and revered” member of the game fishing community.
Paul Barning was taking part in a state-wide interclub fishing competition yesterday off the coast of Port Stephens near Newcastle when he fell overboard.
Initially unidentified, he has since been named in a statement from NSW Game Fishing Association president Steve Lamond.
Initial reports suggesting Barning was taken by a shark have not been substantiated.
A search for him about 55km off the Newcastle coast resumed at first light this morning.
Crews from the NSW Water Police, Marine Rescue NSW as well as the Life Saver Rescue helicopter were searching the area yesterday.
About 30 fishing vessels, many of whom were in the same competition, immediately joined the search.
The rescue operation so far has taken the shape of a line search across the water.
Authorities have also undertaken drift testing.
Lamond said in his statement to members, families, and friends of the NSWGFA that Barning was a “highly experienced game fisherman” who had been lost at sea in “the most unlikely of circumstances”.
He said the association’s “thoughts and prayers” were with Barning’s wife and three children, as well as the crew of his vessel Dark Horse.
“This devastating accident highlights the risks involved in doing what we all love, game fishing,” he said.
“Please look out for each other and stay safe.”
Game fishing competitions are popular off this part of the NSW coastline due to access to deep water and warm currents that home species of marlin and large sharks.
Just a week ago, a group of anglers came face to face with another white shark in another competition in the same location, with the shark getting away with half of their catch.
