Rescue teams are continuing their search for a 15-year-old boy who was swept off a rock shelf at North Avoca beach on Christmas Eve. The teenager was caught by a wave while with two friends, who managed to swim to shore and alerted authorities shortly after 3pm on Tuesday.
Emergency services, including Surf Life Saving NSW, police, and local lifeguards, searched for about five-and-a-half hours before darkness fell on Tuesday. The search resumed on Christmas Day with helicopters, jetskis, and a diver involved. About 20 volunteer surf rescue workers and four council lifeguards are participating.
Inspector Benjamin Campbell of Brisbane Water police district described the incident as tragic. “His two friends raised the alarm with nearby lifeguards ... but they have been unable to rescue the boy,” he said. “It’s just a timely reminder of how dangerous the rocks can be around the ocean.”
Marine Rescue inspector Steve Raymond reported choppy conditions offshore with 2.5-metre to 3-metre swell. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a hazardous surf warning for several coastal areas, including Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and Sydney, warning of dangerous conditions for swimming, rock fishing, and boating.
North Avoca resident Jason Hicks told the Sydney Morning Herald that the boys and nearby surfers were visibly upset. “There was one guy who tried to jump in and rescue [him] and he was visibly beside himself,” Hicks said. “It just happened so quick ... all the services were here in a matter of minutes.”
