The president of a missing fisherman’s club has come forward to shut down rumours a shark was involved in his disappearance.
Paul Barning, 58, was competing in a state-wide interclub fishing competition near Port Stephens, on NSW’s Central Coast, when he went overboard at about 1pm on Sunday.
The large-scale search for Mr Barning resumed about 8am on Monday and no trace of the fisherman has been found.
NSW Game and Fishing Association President Steve Lamond addressed rumours a shark was involved in the incident in a statement on Monday.
‘Some reports you may have seen indicate he was attacked by a shark after falling overboard, this is fabricated and untrue news reporting,’ he said.
The club member also paid tribute to Mr Barning – a loving father of three children with a passion for fishing.
‘Paul Barning, current secretary, past president and life member of Port Hacking game fishing club was a highly experienced game fisherman,’ Mr Lamond said.
Paul Barning (left) went overboard while participating in a fishing competition on Sunday but his fishing club claim no shark was involved
‘He was tragically lost at sea in the most unlikely of circumstances whilst 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.’
The club also thanked those involved in the search.
The fishing competition had been immediately called off and many participating boats joined a search effort led by water police and marine rescue.
Earlier reports claimed Marine Rescue received a radio call stating someone had fallen overboard and a shark was involved.
Mr Lamond later told reporters Mr Barning’s disappearance was a ‘very freak type accident and something that you are not likely to ever see again’.
‘Definitely no shark attack, as such, involved,’ he said.
‘I know that has been reported, so I’d just please like to make that clear.
Mr Barning was onboard his boat, Dark Horse (pictured), with three others when he went overboard
‘It was absolutely just a freak tragedy that has occurred during an attempt to capture a fish.
‘It’s never happened before in Australia to my knowledge.’
NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Luke Wiseman confirmed Mr Barning was aboard his boat with other people.
Initial investigation will centre on whether he became tangled in his line.
Mr Wiseman described Barning as a ‘very competent fisherman’.
Mr Barning participated in fishing competitions for most of his life and in 2021, he made headlines after catching a massive tiger shark that weighed over 394kg.
Mr Barning participated in fishing competitions for most of his life and in 2021, he made headlines after catching a massive tiger shark (pictured) that weighed over 394kg
Those remaining on the boat were directed to the Nelson Bay area about 10pm on Sunday.
‘They declined clinical assessments,’ Mr Wiseman told Sunrise.
‘We provided chaplain services to work with them and support them while they actually engage with NSW Police.’
