Fisherman survives fall

A fisherman is lucky to be alive after falling down a break wall at Hat Head this morning.

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UPDATE: A FISHERMAN at the centre of a search and rescue today is lucky to be alive after falling down a breakwall at Hat Head.  

The 33-year-old South West Rocks man was found by rescuers lying on a rock ledge shortly after he was reported missing around 10.30am.

The alarm was raised by the man's family after he failed to return home after a night's fishing.

A Surf Life Saving spokesman said it's believed the man suffered a suspected broken leg in the fall.  

The Newcastle-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter airlifted the man to Port Macquarie Hospital for treatment.

"He was found on a rock platform at the bottom of the wall. At this stage it is unclear whether he fell and landed there or whether he fell into the water and was able to lift himself up onto the wall," the spokesman said.

Police and other emergency services mounted the search this morning, as a command post was set-up near the town's caravan park.

11AM: A SEARCH and rescue mission is underway this morning to find a fisherman, who has reportedly been washed off rocks at Hat Head.

Police, NSW Fire and Rescue and the Newcastle-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter have been tasked to the scene.

The incident was first reported on emergency radio just after 10.30am.  

A command post has been established near the town's caravan park.