Update: 2 December 11:15am – Marine Rescue NSW crews stood down for the day in search for missing teen swimmer as conditions deteriorate off Little Bay Beach
Marine Rescue NSW crews assisting the multi-agency search for a missing 18-year-old male swimmer off Little Bay Beach on the state’s Mid North Coast have been stood down for the day due to deteriorating offshore conditions.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said volunteer crews on board Trial Bay 30 and Port Macquarie 30 resumed the search shortly before 8am today.
“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels conducted a parallel-line search in an area designated by Marine Area Command, from Laggers Point to Green Island.
“Unfortunately, conditions have worsened across the morning.
“Our volunteer crews battled a 25 to 30-knot south-westerly and a 1.5-metre swell, which is increasing.
“It has become quite uncomfortable, making it extremely challenging for our volunteers.
“Both vessels have now left the main search area.
“Port Macquarie 30 began returning home at 10:30am and is conducting a coastal contour search, while Trial Bay 30 is performing a similar search to the north on its return to base.
“Radio operators at Marine Rescue Trial Bay provided comprehensive communications support this morning, which was also monitored by volunteers at the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie radio hub,” Inspector Greenslade said.
Update: 1 December 4:15pm – Marine Rescue NSW volunteers stood down for the day in the search for a missing swimmer off Little Bay Beach
Marine Rescue NSW crews have been stood down for the day in the search for a missing 18-year-old male swimmer off Little Bay Beach.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said vessels from Marine Rescue Trial Bay and Marine Rescue Port Macquarie searched waters from Laggers Point to Gap Beach for almost eight hours today.
“Both vessels were stood down for the day at 3:45pm after conducting numerous legs offshore alongside an NSW Water Police vessel.
“Our volunteers have shown huge commitment today, with Marine Rescue Nambucca providing a Coxswain on the Trial Bay vessel, while Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies drove fresh crew to South West Rocks to replace the crew on board Port Macquarie 30 at 1pm.
“Our radio operators from both the Trial Bay and Port Macquarie units have also been exceptional managing communications.
“I cannot thank our volunteers enough; their dedication to service is incredible.
“The Port Macquarie vessel will remain in South West Rocks overnight, with Unit Commander Davies to deliver a new crew tomorrow morning.
“Trial Bay 30 and Port Macquarie 30 will continue the search at 8am tomorrow (Tuesday 2 December). They will focus on an area determined by Marine Area Command,” Inspector Murray said.
Two Marine Rescue NSW vessels are today assisting the multi-agency search for a missing 18-year-old male swimmer off Little Bay Beach on the Mid North Coast.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said volunteer crews and vessels from Marine Rescue Trial Bay and Marine Rescue Port Macquarie are both on the water this morning.
“The Port Macquarie 30 crew departed base at 6:30am and joined Trial Bay 30 off Laggers Point at 8am.
“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels will conduct a parallel line search from Laggers Point to Gap Beach in the south.
“Conditions are fair but expected to deteriorate across the day, with our crews experiencing 1.5 to 2-metre swell and moderate winds.
“The Marine Rescue NSW crews will continue searching until instructed otherwise by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Murray said.
Marine Rescue Nambucca is also assisting, providing a Coxswain for today’s search. The unit also has replacement crew on standby.
Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.
