Horror as three people die after being swept off rocks by a huge wave at a popular fishing spot
- Three dead after large wave knocks group off rocks near Wollongong
- Police are combing the area in case others are still in the ocean
- Group washed off rock near Hill 60, Port Kembla, about 10pm Friday
- Emergency services still on the scene as of midnight
Three people have died after being washed into rough surf at a popular rock fishing spot on Friday night.
Police said the group were standing on rocks near an area known as Hill 60 near Port Kembla on New South Wales‘ south-east coast when a large wave knocked them into the sea on Friday evening.
Rescue teams are continuing to search the area, with it believed more people may still be in the water.
The rocks at Hill 60, Port Kembla, NSW (pictured) are renowned for their good fishing – but the spot produces rogue waves that are far more dangerous and unpredictable than they look
Emergency crews were called to the scene just after 10pm but their efforts were hampered by the dark conditions.
Lake Illawarra Police were at the scene as of midnight, along with water police, St John Ambulance, rescue helicopters and local lifeguards.
Three people have been already confirmed dead.
The danger zone for rock fishers stretches from Red Point around Honeycomb Rocks (bottom of the land) to Port Kembla Beach (bottom left)
A group of anglers pictured near the dangerous rocks – which are more treacherous at night
Port Kembla has a notorious rock fishing danger zone surrounding a spit of land near Hill 60 which incorporates Red Point and Honeycomb Rocks stretching around to Port Kembla Beach.
The Hill 60 lookout area is popular for local anglers seeking to catch salmon and bonito, a tuna-like fish.
There have been deaths in the past in the danger zone and countless rescues.
Rocks near the Hill 60 park at Port Kembla are renowned for rock fishing but are also dangerous
The rocks are well known as a dangerous area. Pictured: a safety life preserver
In 2016, angler Nino Agay, 34, was fishing with two friends at Honeycomb Rocks when a rogue wave hit without warning and swept them all into the sea.
After falling 2m down the rock ledge then into the ocean, nearby boaties rescued the men.
At least seven people have died at the Port Kembla rockpool across the last decade, landing it the grim title of the fifth most deadly fishing location in Australia back in 2009.
Surf Lifesavers and emergency services have previously warned rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at all times, as the ocean can be unpredictable, with slippery rocks particularly treacherous at night.
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