Missing NSW fisherman search scaled back

The search for a fisherman who went missing three days ago after being washed from his boat in Botany Bay has been scaled back.

Tim Nguyen was fishing with two friends in a small runabout when they were thrown into the water by increasing swells on Thursday evening.

The 37-year-old was not believed to be wearing a life jacket.

Two of his friends, aged 32 and 41, were able to swim to shore and scramble over rocks to raise the alarm.

They remain in a stable condition in hospital.

Police say while the search has been scaled back, water police, PolAir and foot patrol officers will continue to monitor the area as part of their routine work.