'Life jackets save lives': Boaties urged to be careful after fisherman drowns off Port Stephens

Authorities are urging boaties to always wear life jackets, following today’s tragedy in NSW’s north that saw a fisherman drowned and another winched to safety after their boat capsized.

Police said two men were travelling in a small boat when it capsized off Broughton Island, about 14km north-east of Port Stephens about 10am.

One man drowned shortly after going into the water while the other managed to swim to some nearby rocks, where he was later winched to safety by the Westpac Rescue helicopter.

Westpac Rescue’s Glen Ramplin said rescue workers quickly realised one person had managed to get clear of the capsized boat and started searching.

“They were fishing close to the rocks and a wave got them and smashed the boats up against the rocks,” he said.

Police are still investigating the circumstances of the incident but said the conditions were mostly calm.

The tragedy has prompted a call for boaties to always wear life vests.

“Life jackets save lives,” Mr Ramplin.

“You should always have them on when you go out fishing.”

A Water Police rescue boat returned the surviving fisherman to shore about 4pm.

The man, who looked visibly shaken, shook hands with several members of the rescue team after reaching dry land.

Police said the death did not appear suspicious but a report will be prepared for the coroner.