Less than a fortnight after a drowning tragedy claimed the life of a Sydney fisherman, washed into the water at the Wollongong Harbour breakwall, another large section of the safety fence has collapsed.
The drowning occurred shortly before sunrise on Good Friday when the fisherman who'd just arrived at the popular fishing spot was hit by a monstrous wave which crashed over the breakwall.
At the time, the coast was being pummelled by huge seas which closed all south coast beaches and there were warnings of hazardous and dangerous conditions for people fishing off rocks.
Eyewitnesses said the man, whose name hasn't been released, stood no chance as his body was washed through one of two gaps where the fence had fallen over.
One fisherman, Sylvester Ho, told The Illawarra Flame there were serious safety concerns for those who fish off the breakwall. "If the fencing was fixed, he probably wouldn't have gone over."
The drowning occurred at the same location on the breakwall where a Balgownie fisherman drowned under similar circumstances in giant seas, in July 2022.
In recent days a third section of the rusting safety fence has toppled over. It's left a stretch of about 40 metres along the dangerous section of the breakwall with no safety fencing.
Since the drowning, Transport for NSW Maritime has put cyclone fencing and temporary 'danger' warning tape across the entry to the breakwall. Most of that tape has blown away and fishermen have pushed aside a section of the cyclone fence so they can continue to fish on the breakwall.
Executive Director NSW Maritime, Mark Hutchins, said his organisation had "reacted immediately to the tragic incident over the Easter long weekend by erecting additional fencing and signage in the area to keep the public safe. The fencing and other safeguards that are in place are there to protect the public."
The Illawarra Flame's observations since the tragic Easter incident is that fishermen appear to be ignoring the warnings. With big swells forecast in the days ahead, NSW Maritime is urging people to take care.
"Due to the unpredictable and hazardous nature of surf conditions expected again this weekend, we strongly urge all members of the public to exercise extreme caution near coastal areas – particularly around breakwalls, rock platforms, and other exposed shorelines," Mr Hutchins said.
As for the immediate dangers posed at the Wollongong Harbour breakwall, NSW Maritime is planning new fencing but not until next year.
"The type of fencing design and its efficacy form an integral part of the 'Safety-in-Design' stage of the handrail replacement project, which is in development and due to commence on site in early 2026," Mr Hutchins said.
"The breakwall is formally inspected on an annual basis. However, as Harbour Management teams are frequently on site, informal visual inspections occur far more regularly. We are considering what appropriate actions may be required to enhance public safety in this area, including potential upgrades to existing fencing.
"Transport for NSW Maritime supports the installation of safety signage, such as warnings about the dangers of rock fishing, provided it does not impede maintenance of the structural function of the breakwall."
The Illawarra Flame understands Transport for NSW will be installing new safety signage in the coming weeks.
Wollongong Councillor Kit Docker has called for increased education programs, especially for multicultural communities, and for NSW Maritime to explore the installation of life buoys in the place where the two drownings have taken place.
