25-02-2025
Fisherman Has Nightmare Outcome After Hooking Huge Shark During Tournament
The search for a fisherman who disappeared during a competition after hooking a shark is ongoing, the New Zealand Herald reported.
Paul Barning, 58, fell overboard shortly after hooking a mako shark around 1 p.m. on Sunday in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. His disappearance sparked a massive air and sea search, though authorities suspect he may have fallen victim to the very shark he captured. Witnesses told police on the scene that they saw Barning become tangled in his fishing net before tumbling overboard.
During a press conference on Monday, NSW Police Superintendent Joe McNulty confirmed that Barning had lost his footing while reeling the shark in and had fallen off the boat. 'After the entanglement, we believe the shark submerged, pulling the man into that water,' McNulty explained of the tragic incident. 'We believe the shark was quite large. Their vessel was only [22 feet] in length.'
McNulty added that the incident 'might have assisted in his recovery if he'd had a life jacket on…Unfortunately, at this time, [Downing] has not been recovered.' However, search efforts are ongoing, with those in charge hoping for a positive outcome. McNulty explained that efforts had been complicated by fast currents and warmer-than-expected water temperatures, which brought a plethora of marine life to the New South Wales Game and Fishing Association honored Barning in a statement, calling the longtime member a 'loved and revered' part of the community. 'Paul Barning, current secretary, past president, and life member of Port Hacking Game Fishing Club, was a highly experienced game fisherman,' President Steve Lamond said. 'He was tragically lost at sea in the most unlikely of circumstances while fishing on his boat, 'Dark Horse,' off Port Stephens on Sunday. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Leonie, his son Sam, and daughters Eleanor and Brigette in this trying time. We also have the crew and their families in our thoughts and prayers. To those participants of the tournament that assisted in the search efforts, we thank you.'
McNulty ended his press conference with a reminder to all boaters to wear their life jackets. 'Doesn't matter how experienced you are, how long you've been fishing, please wear a life jacket,' he said. 'It's just a safety message that we really need to get out to all members of the boating community.'
