Police will continue to conduct sweeps of the foreshore around Port Kembla after three men died after being swept into the sea overnight.
A major emergency response began about 10pm yesterday (Friday 22 January 2021), responding to reports several people had been washed off rocks into the sea at Port Kembla.
Police were told by witnesses a group of men were standing on rocks near an area known as Hill 60 when a large wave hit them knocking them into the surf.
Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District and Marine Area Command began searching for the men, assisted by NSW Ambulance, rescue helicopters and local lifeguards.
The bodies of three men were recovered from the water a short time later. While they are yet to be formally identified, police believe two of men, aged 45 and 49, are from Green valley, while a third man is believed to be aged 69 from Campsie. Post-mortem examinations will be conducted this week.
The search continues this morning as eyewitnesses were unsure of exactly how many people were on the rocks when the wave hit; however, there have been no further reports of people missing.
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Lake Illawarra police or Crime Stoppers.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
