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Grave fears for abalone fisherman missing at Sugarloaf Rock, near Busselton

Jackson Lavell-LeeThe West Australian
The RAC rescue helicopter searches for Mr Dinh at Sugarloaf rock
Camera IconThe RAC rescue helicopter searches for Mr Dinh at Sugarloaf rock Credit: Jackson Lavell-Lee

Police say they don’t believe a man who went missing while abalone fishing near Busselton this morning was the victim of shark attack - despite two sightings in the area today.

Loi Ho Dinh, 28, was in knee deep water 950 metres south of Sugarloaf Rock with three friends when he was separated from the group and disappeared around 8am this morning.

The group searched for their friend for over an hour but were unsuccessful and reported him missing at around 10am. It is believed Mr Dinh cannot swim.

Dunsborough Police said there was no reason to suspect a shark attack at this stage, despite sharks being spotted at Rabbit Hill in Yallingup and Bunker Bay.

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A jet ski searches for Mr Dinh off Sugarloaf Rock
Camera IconA jet ski searches for Mr Dinh off Sugarloaf Rock Credit: Jackson Lavell-Lee

“He wasn’t wearing any personal safety equipment or a floating devices or a wetsuit, just in normal clothing,” Sergeant Jane Gillham said.

The reef edge at the fishing site abruptly ends with water dropping from half a metre deep to over three metres.

Dunsborough Police and Margaret River Police were assisted in the search by Naturaliste Volunteer Marine Rescue Group, Margaret River Volunteer Marine Rescue Group, Surf Lifesaving WA, The Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the RAC Westpac rescue helicopter.

A friend of Mr Dinh, Kevin Huynh, said the man’s friends and family were distraught and had raced down to Dunsborough to help with the search.

A sign warns fisherman they may be swept off the rocks
Camera IconA sign warns fisherman they may be swept off the rocks Credit: Jackson Lavell-Lee
Three boats and three jet skis were searching for Mr Dinh
Camera IconThree boats and three jet skis were searching for Mr Dinh Credit: Picture: Jackson Lavell-Lee

“When they couldn’t find him at the car or the beach they panicked and called the police.”

“He can’t swim at all. His girlfriend told me they would always look out for him if they were fishing - she has been crying the entire drive down.”

The search for Mr Dinh will continue until light fades and resume at first light tomorrow.

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