Search underway for fishing competitor knocked overboard amid fears he may have been eaten by a shark

A large-scale search is underway for a fisherman who fell from a recreational fishing boat amid reports he may have been eaten by a shark. 

Crews from Water Police, Lifesaver helicopter, and Marine Rescue NSW were called to Newcastle, on the state’s Central Coast, following reports a person, understood to be a man, fell from a boat about 1pm on Sunday.

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia the person was part of a fishing competition and went overboard some 55km off the coast. 

‘The Water Police vessel from Port Stephens expected to be on scene about 3.10pm; however, the helicopter should be on scene by 2.45pm,’ a spokesperson said.

No further details of the missing person could be provided.

The Daily Telegraph reported that a shark was believed to have been spotted in the vicinity before the man fell overboard, but this has not been confirmed by police. 

More to come.