Search ongoing for missing fisherman after suspected shark attack off Newcastle

Search efforts are ongoing for Paul Barning, a fisherman who disappeared during a competition off the coast of Newcastle, believed to have been attacked by a great white shark. Witnesses reported that Barning fell overboard after becoming entangled in fishing line about 55 kilometers offshore on Sunday. The fishing competition was immediately canceled, and participating boats joined the multi-agency search led by NSW Police and Marine Rescue. This incident follows recent reports of multiple great white shark encounters in the same area, raising concerns about safety for local fishermen. Barning, an experienced fisherman, has previously made headlines for catching a massive tiger shark in 2021. Authorities are treating the situation with caution as they continue the search for the missing skipper.