The search for a missing swimmer off the Central Coast has ended in tragedy today, with police divers locating a body late this morning.
The discovery was made at approximately 10:45 am today (Monday, 24 November) following an extensive multi-agency operation at Soldiers Beach near Norah Head. While a formal identification process is still to be completed, police believe the body is that of the 18-year-old man who disappeared in the surf last night.
The ordeal began yesterday evening (Sunday, 23 November) at about 8:15 pm, when emergency services were called to the beach following frantic reports of a group in distress. Police have been told that four friends were standing on a sandbar near the Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club when it suddenly collapsed beneath them, sweeping the group into deeper waters.
A 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man managed to struggle back to shore unassisted. In a stroke of luck for a third member of the group—also aged 18—two nearby surfers were able to reach him and bring him safely to the beach. However, the fourth friend was swept out to sea and could not be reached.
A massive search operation was immediately launched, involving officers from the Tuggerah Lakes Police District, Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Crews searched the water and foreshore until 11:30 pm on Sunday, before suspending operations for the night.
The search resumed at first light (7:00 am) this morning with the same resources, ultimately leading to the discovery of the body by police divers a few hours later.
A report will now be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Leave a Reply