Rescue crews have resumed the search for an 18-year-old swimmer who disappeared off Freshwater Beach in Sydney’s north on Saturday evening.
The young man had been swimming with friends but failed to return to shore, with an emergency rescue mission launched about 8.15pm.
Police were told he had been swimming with a group of friends when they lost sight of him.
An 18-year-old boy has disappeared while swimming at Freshwater Beach. Photo: Tim Pascoe
Rescue crews have resumed the search for the swimmer. Picture: Instagram
The group of boys continued their search on shore and called emergency services when he could not be located.
An extensive search involving local police, the Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue, Polair and the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter scoured the area from North Curl Curl headland along the coastline to Bluefish Point and further out to sea.
Marine Rescue NSW’s search pattern.
Search crews kept watch over the water and sand overnight, with full scale operations resuming on Sunday morning. Picture: Instagram
Marine officers continued to patrol the water overnight, while police scoured the beach.
A number of bystanders gathered on dunes around the beach to watch on as the search unfolded.
The beach remains closed, with the rescue mission resuming full-scale operation on Sunday morning.
Nippers has been cancelled at Freshwater Beach due to the closure, with parents being informed this morning.
“I am very sorry everyone but I have been notified the beach is closed this morning due to search and rescue operation to find a missing swimmer from last night,” parents were told.
“We will cancel Nippers this morning and avoid people coming to the beach.
“We will postpone the Iron event to next week.”
Anyone who may have information regarding the missing swimmer that could assist is urged to contact Manly Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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