Tragic Discovery Ends Search for Missing Man on NSW South Coast
Police have confirmed a body discovered on a Far South Coast beach is that of a 23-year-old man who disappeared after falling from a cliff. The tragic incident occurred at Mystery Bay Beach, approximately 12 kilometres south of Narooma, on the New South Wales South Coast.
Emergency Response and Initial Search Efforts
About 6.40pm on Sunday, January 18, emergency services were called to the scene following reports that a man had fallen into the water. Officers from the South Coast Police District attended and were informed that the 23-year-old man had tripped and fallen several metres off a cliff into the ocean and had not resurfaced.
A coordinated search operation commenced immediately, involving:
- South Coast Police District
- Marine Area Command
- Marine Rescue NSW
- State Emergency Service (SES)
- Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA)
Despite these extensive efforts, authorities were unable to locate the missing man during the initial search period.
Continued Search Operations
The search resumed at approximately 7.30am on Monday, January 19, with additional resources deployed to the area. Specialist cave rescuers, drone pilots, police officers, and various emergency service personnel coordinated their efforts to locate the missing individual.
After being suspended overnight, the search continued from about 8am on Tuesday, January 20. However, by 1pm that same day, the operation was scaled back significantly as hopes of finding the man alive diminished.
Discovery and Identification
At 6.05am on Friday, January 23, police received reports that a man's body had washed up on Billy's Beach, located north of Mystery Bay near Narooma. Officers attended the scene and established a crime scene as part of their investigation.
The body has now been formally identified as the missing 23-year-old UK national. Police have confirmed the identity through proper channels and procedures.
A comprehensive report will be prepared for the coroner as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. The coroner's findings will help determine the exact cause and manner of death.
This heartbreaking discovery brings a sorrowful conclusion to what began as a holiday tragedy on the picturesque South Coast of New South Wales. The local community and emergency services have expressed their condolences to the man's family and friends during this difficult time.
