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Authorities in Australia reported that a fisherman, Paul Barning, fell overboard during a fishing competition and was subsequently pulled into the water by a shark entangled in fishing gear. The incident took place on a Sunday approximately 34 miles off the coast of Newcastle near Port Stephens.
Barning, who is known within the New South Wales Game Fishing Association, was 58 years old at the time of the incident. After receiving a distress call around 1 p.m. on Sunday, search efforts commenced on Monday as local authorities sought to locate him.
Marine Area Command Commander Superintendent Joe McNulty shared details during a news briefing, noting that preliminary investigations suggest the shark involved was likely quite large in comparison to Barning’s 6.8-meter fishing vessel. McNulty explained that during an attempt to bring the shark alongside the boat, Barning became entangled in fishing line. It is believed that when the shark pulled away, it resulted in Barning being knocked overboard. Importantly, there is no indication that the shark attacked him while he was in the water; additionally, it was noted that Barning was not wearing a life jacket at the time.
A seasoned and respected participant in the sport, Barning served as the secretary and a former president of the Port Hacking game fishing club. He was participating in the NSWGFA Interclub State Championships when the unfortunate event occurred, as confirmed by a statement from the game fishing organization.
In response to the tragedy, NSWGFA president Steve Lamond expressed condolences and highlighted the inherent risks associated with game fishing, encouraging participants to look out for one another and prioritize safety. “This devastating accident highlights the risks involved in doing what we all love, game fishing,” he remarked.
Game fishing involves catching, tagging, and releasing large fish such as marlins, tunas, and various species of sharks. Points scored in competitions are based on the type and size of the fish captured. According to regulations outlined in the NSWGFA rulebook, eligible shark species for points include Blue, Smooth Hammerhead, Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, Tiger, Great White, and Whaler sharks. Police believe the shark that Barning caught was a Mako, which can grow up to 13 feet in length, as reported by NOAA Fisheries.
In addition to catching fish, competitors can win prizes for the heaviest shark caught and for the total number of sharks captured during the competition.
Source
www.cbsnews.com