A rock fisherman aged in his 20s has been airlifted to hospital with cuts, bruises and mild hypothermia after being washed off the rocks in the Royal National Park.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Emergency services were called to Wattamolla Beach around 10am on Thursday following reports the man had been swept into the water.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Jason Rutherford said the man was spotted by people walking on the coast track, who called for help.
"We responded with a number crews, including special operations, intensive care, primary care paramedics and the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter, along with the PolAir and Westpac Life Saver helicopters," he said.
"Once the patient was located from the air, a paramedic from our Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter was winched down to assess him."
The man was was winched back into the helicopter and flown to waiting ambulance crews at Wattamolla car park.
The man was taken to Sutherland Hospital in a stable condition.
Inspector Rutherford said the man was equipped with appropriate safety gear which "would have contributed greatly to saving his life".
"The ocean is unpredictable and we encourage anyone heading out on or around the water to take extra care," he said.
Reading this on mobile web? Download our news app. It's faster, easier to read and we'll send you alerts for breaking news as it happens. Download in the Apple Store or Google Play.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
