Man found 24hrs after falling overboard ship off NSW coast

A man has been found alive after he fell overboard from a bulk carrier ship and spent nearly 24 hours in the water off the coast of NSW.

The crew member was last seen on board the bulk carrier, Double Delight, about 11.30pm on Thursday.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) were notified by the Newcastle Harbourmaster at 11.04am Friday that a crew member had gone overboard about 8km

southeast of Newcastle.

A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said they were called to Boatrowers Reserve at Blacksmiths Beach near Swansea about 6.30pm on Friday after reports a sailor was found in the water.

“The patient, a man in his 30s, reportedly was in the water for about 24 hours,” the spokesperson said.

“He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for hypothermia before being taken by road to John Hunter Hospital.”

An AMSA spokesperson confirmed the man was rescued by a fisher.

“A crew member that was today reported overboard from bulk carrier Double Delight has been successfully rescued by a recreational fisher this afternoon,” the spokesperson said.

“The crew member was transported to John Hunter Hospital in NSW for treatment, where the person is now being monitored by medical staff, under the surveillance of Australian Border Force.”

The AMSA co-ordinated the search for the man on Friday afternoon.

A Westpac Rescue helicopter from Williamtown and a Defence helicopter from Belmont near Newcastle were deployed in the search.

Newcastle-based NSW Water Police, Marine Rescue NSW units and a Port Stephens-based Water Police vessel were also called in to assist.

A Marine Rescue NSW spokesperson confirmed two vessels with volunteer crew on board were out searching on Friday.

More to come