An urgent search operation is underway on the Central Coast for a young man who was swept out to sea following the sudden collapse of a sand bar.
Nighttime Emergency at Norah Head
Emergency services were called to Norah Head at approximately 8:15pm on Sunday, November 23, responding to reports that four friends had been caught in a dangerous situation. The group had been standing on a sand bar off the Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club when it unexpectedly gave way.
The incident resulted in all four individuals being thrown into the water. A 16-year-old boy and one 18-year-old man managed to fight the current and reach the safety of the shore. Tragically, their two other companions, both aged 18, were not so fortunate and were swept away.
Dramatic Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Search
In a stroke of luck, two surfers who were in the area witnessed the event and sprang into action. They were able to reach one of the 18-year-old men, pulling him from the water and bringing him to land. The fourth member of the group, however, was carried out to sea and could not be located.
An immediate large-scale search was launched, involving multiple agencies. NSW Police led the operation, with crucial assistance from the Westpac Rescue helicopter, the Marine Area Command, and Marine Rescue NSW. Despite their exhaustive efforts throughout the night, the missing man was not found.
The official search was suspended at 11:30pm, though police continued to patrol the foreshore on foot overnight. The full-scale search recommenced at 7am on Monday morning, utilising the same extensive resources in the hope of a positive outcome.
Community and Family Support
Authorities have confirmed that they are providing support to the family of the missing young man and are keeping them updated on the progress of the search. The local community now waits anxiously for news as rescue teams scour the coastline and waters.
