NSW Game and Fishing Association launches fundraiser for Paul Barning

Friends have dug deep to support the family of beloved fisherman Paul Barning, who was lost at sea in a tragic tangle with a mako shark during a fishing competition.

Mr Barning became entangled in fishing line while his vessel was reeling in a mako off the coast of Port Stephens during the Game Fishing Association state tournament on Sunday and was pulled into the water, police believe.

“After the entanglement we believe the shark has submerged, pulling the man into that water,” NSW Police Superintendent Joe McNulty said on Monday

“We believe the shark was quite large.

“Their vessel was only 6.8m in length.”

Police have said there was no evidence the shark attacked Mr Barning.

The 58-year-old dad was an experienced fisherman and the current secretary, past president and life member of the Port Hacking Game Fishing Club.

NSW Game and Fishing Association president Steve Lamond launched a fundraiser for Mr Barning’s family on Tuesday morning.

“As most of you are aware Paul was lost at sea on Sunday during the Interclub game fishing tournament,” the fundraiser states.

“We are raising funds to assist the family through this tragic time so they can focus on processing their grief.

“Anything you could give to assist will be greatly appreciated.”

The fundraiser’s initial target was almost reached within a few hours as donations flooded in, and now stands at $65,000.

The NSW Game and Fishing Association donated $5000.

Mr Lamond paid tribute to Mr Barning in a heartfelt post on Monday.

“He was tragically lost at sea in the most unlikely of circumstances while fishing on his boat ‘Dark Horse’ off Port Stephens on Sunday,” he said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Leonie, his son Sam and daughters Eleanor and Brigette in this trying time.

“We also have the crew and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

“To those participants of the tournament that assisted in the search efforts, we thank you.”

Mr Lamond later called the incident “an absolute freak tragedy”.

“There was definitely no shark attack as such involved,” he said.

“It was absolutely just an absolute freak tragedy that has occurred during the attempt to capture a fish.”

Mr Barning’s body has not yet been found and police have indicated their search would resume on Tuesday.

The search zone will expand to include areas further south along the coast.

Superintendent McNulty said the outcome may have been different had Mr Barning been wearing a life jacket, and stressed the importance of boat safety.

“Doesn’t matter how experienced you are, how long you’ve been fishing, please wear a life jacket,” he said.

“It’s just a safety message that we really need to get out to all members of the boating community.”