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A major air and sea search is under way for a fisherman believed to have been taken by a shark off the NSW coast.
The man was taking part in a state-wide interclub fishing competition today off the coast of Port Stephens near Newcastle when he was reportedly attacked by a great white shark after falling off his boat.
Crews from the NSW Water Police, Marine Rescue NSW as well as the Life Saver Rescue helicopter were searching the area 55 kilometres off the Newcastle coast, north of Sydney.
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About 50 fishing vessels also joined.
The man fell overboard aboout 1pm, with emergency services called 35 minutes later, NSW Police said.
Inspector Paula Steer from NSW Ambulance said paramedics were on standby.
"We are using all of our resources to hope for a positive outcome," Steer said.
Fishing competitions are popular off this part of the NSW coastline.
Just a week ago, a group of anglers came face to face with another white shark in another competition in the same location, with the shark getting away with half of their catch.
