Desperate plea for family of missing fisherman, son

Colleagues of a man who went missing alongside his son while fishing off a popular tourist spot on the NSW south coast have made a desperate plea for help.

Nelson Chan, 47, and his 17-year-old son Joshua failed to return home from a fishing trip to Storm Bay, south of Kiama, in the Illawarra region last week.

The pair’s family first raised the alarm after the two men did not come home as planned, and despite a desperate search by police have not been located.

With the search operation since abandoned, colleagues of Mr Chan said the pair’s disappearance had left “loved ones and the community heartbroken”.

It comes as they seek to raise funds to support Mr Chan’s family and honour the “memory of a remarkable man and his son” through a GoFundMe campaign.

“Nelson was more than just a colleague; he was a cherished member of our work family,” organiser Adriana Surace said.

“He always went above and beyond to help others, both in the workplace and in his community.

“His infectious smile, daily morning fist bumps, and warm personality touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Ms Surace described the missing dad as a “devoted husband and father” who “worked tirelessly to provide for his family”.

“His sudden and heartbreaking loss has left his wife and family in profound grief and financial uncertainty,” she said.

“The funds will go directly towards easing their financial burden, helping them with essential expenses.

“And, providing them with the stability they need as they navigate this unimaginable loss of two loved ones.”

The campaign had raised more than $10,000 in just one day as of Wednesday afternoon, with a further $15,000 before its target.

Mr Chan, originally from southwestern Sydney, was experienced fisherman and was due to arrive home at midnight on Tuesday August 20.

The pair had left home about 3pm Monday and texted family about two hours later to explain they were “going good”.

Tragically, by 1.30pm on Thursday NSW Police confirmed they had called off the large-scale multi-agency search for the pair.