Authorities in Australia have reported that a fisherman fell overboard during a fishing competition on Sunday, and was subsequently dragged by a shark that had become ensnared in fishing gear.

The search for Paul Barning, a member of the New South Wales Game Fishing Association, continued into Monday after officials received a notification around 1 p.m. on Sunday. The incident occurred approximately 34 miles offshore near Newcastle and Port Stephens, as Barning fell from his boat, the Dark Horse.

Marine Area Command Commander Superintendent Joe McNulty informed local news outlets that investigators believe the shark involved was “quite large” when compared to Barning’s 6.8-meter vessel.

“In the process of trying to bring the shark alongside, it became tangled in the fishing line. The shark then took off, pulling the line taut, which may have caused Barning to go over the side of the boat. There is no indication that the shark attacked the individual in the water,” McNulty explained during a press briefing. He also noted that Barning was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.

Barning, who served as secretary and former president of the Port Hacking Game Fishing Club, was a “highly skilled game fisherman.” He was taking part in the NSWGFA Interclub State Championships when the unfortunate event transpired, as reported by the game fishing organization on social media.

“This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in our beloved sport of game fishing,” stated NSWGFA President Steve Lamond. “We urge everyone to be vigilant and prioritize safety.”

Game fishing is a sport where participants catch, tag, and release various species of game fish, including marlins, tunas, and sharks, with points awarded based on the type and size of the fish caught.

Among the shark species eligible for points are Blue, Smooth Hammerhead, Mako, Porbeagle, Thresher, Tiger, Great White, and Whaler sharks, as stated in the NSWGFA rulebook. According to authorities, the shark Barning caught was believed to be a Mako, which can grow up to 13 feet long, as per NOAA Fisheries. Competitors can also win prizes for catching the heaviest shark and for the most successful catches overall.