A SEARCH of the Dudley coast from the sea and sky has wrapped up after fishing gear was found abandoned on rocks.
Police received reports just before 7.30am on Thursday, July 11, that a bag and equipment had been left at the southern end of Dudley beach with no one nearby.
Lake Macquarie police officers were called to the scene and found a grey bag on rocks near the Bombala Street track and Cross Creek.
Lake Macquarie police searched nearby waters, off the rocks between Dudley and Redhead, and made inquiries "as a precaution".
Marine Area Command police, PolAir, Marine Rescue NSW crews and NSW Surf Life Savers supported the search efforts.
It's understood a Westpac helicopter was combing the waters off the rocks from above on Thursday morning.
A police boat was seen in the Dudley beach area, headed south along the rock shelf, as the precautionary search continued on Thursday.
It's understood there were concerns initially that the owner of the bag could have come into trouble on the rocks.
"While the items may have been discarded or lost, police hold concerns for the welfare of the potential owner and are appealing for anyone who has information on the owner of the items to contact local police," a statement from NSW Police said on Thursday afternoon.
Police issued a public appeal for information on Thursday for anyone who recognised the fishing gear, or had information about it, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
On Thursday night, police remained unsure as to how the bag ended up on the rocks and were trying to locate the owner, but confirmed the search had been called off and no missing persons report had been filed.
Police did not believe the fishing equipment is linked to missing man Luke Smith who was on a tinny that capsized in the Swansea Channel on Saturday night and has not been seen since.
