FISHERMEN fought in vain to rescue a man who slipped and fell from Mordialloc Pier in severe weather conditions, early on Monday morning (14 November).
Father-of-one Matt Allan was fishing with a mate on the south side of the pier between the centre shelter and the far end, 2.50am, when he appeared to lose his footing in the wet conditions.
Witnesses said the keen angler, 31, of Pakenham, called for help when he fell three metres into the swirling water, while his mate, with the help of another fisherman, attempted to use a net and fishing poles to pull him to safety.
A Mordialloc police report said the heavy seas foiled their rescue attempts.
After several minutes, Mr Allan’s body drifted under the pier and re-emerged on the north side without showing signs of life.
Strong winds and a high tide at 2.40am – with waves breaking over the pier – may have contributed to the tragedy.
Crews on a Mornington Coast Guard boat found the Mr Allan’s body at about 4.25am and took him to Patterson River boat ramp.
Fishermen are now calling for the placement of life rings at strategic places along the pier for use in similar emergencies.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner on Mr Allan’s death.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 16 November 2016