Eight months after a devastating incident shocked Australia’s competitive fishing community, new details have emerged surrounding the tragic final moments of veteran fisherman Paul Barning, whose disappearance during a tournament remains one of the sport’s darkest chapters.
Paul Barning, a 58-year-old husband, father, and highly respected angler, was pulled into the Pacific Ocean by a massive shark while competing in a high-profile game fishing event off the coast of New South Wales. The incident occurred during the New South Wales Game Fishing Association Interclub State Championships, a prestigious competition that attracts some of the most experienced and skilled anglers from across the region each year.
According to a recently released report from the Coroner’s Court of New South Wales in Lidcombe, officials believe Barning died on February 23, although his exact cause of death cannot be formally determined. The inability to confirm the cause stems from the heartbreaking fact that Barning’s body was never recovered, despite extensive multi-agency search efforts conducted over several days following the incident.
On the morning of February 23, conditions appeared favorable as Barning set out from Port Stephens aboard his vessel with longtime friend Bradley Elphinstone, Bradley’s son Reece Elphinstone, and fellow competitor Ryan Hope.
All four men were seasoned fishermen, familiar with both the competitive pressures of tournament fishing and the inherent dangers of deep-sea angling, particularly when targeting large pelagic species. Port Stephens, located on the New South Wales coast, is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and is a popular destination for game fishing competitions involving marlin, tuna, and large shark species.
As the competition progressed toward midday, Ryan Hope hooked a large mako shark, a powerful apex predator known for its speed, aggression, and ability to generate sudden bursts of force. The shark was estimated to weigh more than 400 pounds, placing it among the largest and most dangerous catches typically encountered during sanctioned game fishing tournaments.
Hope began reeling in the shark while Paul Barning stood to his left, prepared to assist, with Reece Elphinstone positioned slightly behind to provide additional support if required. Bradley Elphinstone remained at the helm, starting the engine to carefully maneuver the boat in alignment with the shark’s movements, a standard procedure designed to reduce tension on the line.
As the shark neared the surface, Hope stepped back from the line, allowing Barning to take control of the trace line, the final and most dangerous phase of securing a large marine animal.
Reece Elphinstone moved closer to assist Barning, who wrapped the trace line around each of his hands at least once, preparing for a controlled effort to bring the shark alongside the boat.
What followed was described by the coroner as a “tug-of-war” moment, a common but risky maneuver in game fishing when the animal still has significant strength remaining. Suddenly, the mako shark surged violently into deeper water, pulling the line away with extreme force while Barning’s hands remained entwined in the trace line.
Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee noted that this unexpected movement left Barning unable to release himself in time as the shark accelerated away from the vessel.
Witnesses reported hearing Barning shout words to the effect of “Oh no” as he was dragged rapidly toward the edge of the boat, a moment etched permanently into the memories of those present.
When his legs struck the side of the vessel, Barning was flipped 180 degrees over the gunwale and pulled into the ocean in a matter of seconds. Bradley Elphinstone immediately placed the boat into neutral, while the remaining crew members desperately searched the surrounding waters for any sign of their friend.
Ryan Hope began reeling the shark back in, believing there was still a possibility that Barning remained attached to the trace line beneath the surface. After approximately ten minutes, the shark was brought close to the surface once again, but there was no indication that Barning was still connected to the line.
With no sign of their crewmate, the men made the agonizing decision to cut the line and release the shark, prioritizing the search for Barning. It was later confirmed that Barning was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident, significantly reducing his chances of survival in open water.
Bradley activated the “man overboard” function on the vessel’s GPS tracking system, triggering an immediate emergency response. A large-scale search operation involving multiple agencies was launched within hours, covering extensive areas of ocean surrounding Port Stephens. Despite tireless efforts by marine rescue teams, police, and volunteers, the search was officially called off on February 25 without locating Barning’s body.
At last week’s coroner’s hearing, officials formally concluded that Barning died as a result of misadventure during the competition. “Mr. Barning died as a result of misadventure when he was suddenly and unexpectedly pulled into the water whilst managing a trace line,” Coroner Lee wrote in his findings.
Born in Sydney, Paul Barning was not only a dedicated fisherman but also the owner of a successful construction company, balancing his professional life with a lifelong passion for the sea. Over the years, Barning had earned numerous trophies and accolades at game fishing competitions, earning widespread respect within Australia’s angling community.
Friends and colleagues described him as calm under pressure, deeply knowledgeable, and always willing to mentor younger fishermen entering the sport. “By all accounts, Mr. Barning was a beloved husband and father, a genuine and respected friend, and a skilled fisherman,” officials wrote in the report. “There is no doubt that he is greatly missed,” the statement continued, emphasizing the profound impact of his sudden disappearance on those closest to him.
The coroner also noted that the unexpected circumstances surrounding his death intensified the grief and trauma experienced by his family and friends. Following the incident, the New South Wales Game Fish Association released a statement clarifying that Barning was not attacked by a shark after falling into the water.
Instead, the organization stressed that the tragedy resulted from an accident during the handling of the trace line, highlighting the inherent dangers of competitive game fishing.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Leonie, his son Sam, and daughters Eleanor and Brigette during this incredibly difficult time,” the association said. The tragedy has since sparked renewed discussions within the sport about safety protocols, equipment use, and risk management during high-stakes fishing competitions.
For many in the fishing world, Paul Barning’s story serves as a sobering reminder that even the most experienced anglers face unpredictable dangers on the open ocean. Eight months on, his legacy endures not only through trophies and titles, but through the respect, memories, and lessons left behind for future generations of fishermen.
