HOPE is fading that Goulburn fisherman Peter Oberg will be found alive after the search for him in wild seas off Seal Rocks stretches into its third day.
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Mr Oberg was fishing off a rock platform below the Sugarloaf Lighthouse with two other men, aged 39 and 34, at about 12.30pm on Wednesday when a wave swept all three into the water.
The Westpac rescue helicopter plucked one man from the rocks while experienced local life saver Lennon Fisher (using a jetski) found the second, stripped down to his underpants, taking refuge on a rocky outcrop about 500 metres from where the trio were washed in.
Mr Oberg, 45, was last seen floating face-down a short distance off-shore.
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The Seal Rocks search comes less than two weeks after two Chinese students were swept off rocks at Wybung Head on the Central Coast and has reignited a debate about mandatory lifejackets.
Newly sworn-in Police and Emergency Services Minister Stuart Ayres said the government was considering a discussion paper on the issue.
"The views of anglers, emergency services personnel and the general public were sought via this [discussion paper] process," Mr Ayres said.
"The statewide mandatory wearing of lifejackets by rock fishermen is one of these options.
"In making the decision, the government will balance community opinion and the impact on emergency response and public health organisations to best determine how to reduce rock fishing fatality rates."
Until a decision was made, Mr Ayres encouraged those participating in rock fishing to consider the conditions and the risk.
Marine Area Command Acting Superintendent Joe McNulty said the tragedy could have been avoided and encouraged the use of life jackets.
Police divers were called out of the water on Thursday due to the large swell but a police boat remained in the area.
Divers are expected to resume the search today (Friday), weather and conditions permitting.
Surf Life Saving NSW Lifesaving Manager Andy Kent says this could be yet another rockfishing tragedy, after a spate of incidents over the last few weeks.
"Two people are lucky to be alive thanks to our emergency callout volunteers and our efforts are now focused on finding the missing man," said Andy Kent.
More details to come.
