A multi-agency search will resume on Monday after a person is believed to have been taken by a shark after falling off a boat near Newcastle.
The person fell overboard while competing in a fishing competition around 1pm on Sunday, 55km off the coast of Newcastle, NSW police said in a statement.
NSW ambulance confirmed that marine rescue was informed via marine radio that a person had fallen into the water and was taken by a shark.
A spokesperson said other people on board the boat were assessed but did not require treatment.
Those on board also reported a shark was involved, the spokesperson said.
Crews from the water police, marine rescue and the Lifesaver helicopter responded to the incident on Sunday.
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A spokesperson for NSW marine rescue said its crews were on standby to assist with the rescue operations on Monday if required, as the incident occurred outside its normal capabilities.
Its volunteer crew from Port Stephens responded to the incident on Sunday, and did not return to the shore until after midnight.
“Where this is happening is a long way offshore,” the spokesperson said. “It’s pretty fatiguing on any person who is assisting that search … It’s a different ballgame out there.”
