Search Suspended for Australian Fisherman Lost at Sea During Competition

Paul Barning, 58, fell overboard during a fishing tournament off the New South Wales coast; efforts to locate him have been halted after three days.

Paul Barning, a respected member of the Port Hacking Game Fishing Club, went missing on February 23, 2025, during a fishing competition near Port Stephens, New South Wales.
Initial reports indicate Barning became entangled in fishing tackle before falling overboard from his boat, the Dark Horse, approximately 34 miles off the Newcastle coast.
Authorities, including the New South Wales Police Marine Area Command and Marine Rescue NSW, conducted extensive air and sea searches over three days but were unable to locate him.
Despite rumors suggesting Barning was dragged into the ocean by a shark, police and the New South Wales Game Fish Association have refuted these claims as unverified and fabricated.
The New South Wales Game Fish Association mourned Barning’s loss, highlighting his contributions to the sport and expressing condolences to his family and crew.