North Avoca beach: Desperate search for teenage boy swept off rocks resumes
A desperate search for a teenage boy swept off a rock ledge into water off North Avoca beach has resumed, with volunteers turning out on Christmas Day to help efforts to find him..
The 15-year-old was reported missing after the terrifying incident about 3pm on Christmas eve.
He was one of three 15-year-olds swept from the rocks when the boys were hit by a wave.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Two of the boys scrambled back onto the rocks, before raising the alarm.
Officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District, with the assistance of the Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter searched the area for hours afterwards but were unable to locate him.
Search efforts were called off about 7pm before starting again in at 9am on Christmas Day.
NSW Police hold grave fears for the Central Coast teenager, who’s been identified in media reports as Luca Bennett.
“His two friends raised the alarm with nearby lifeguards ... but they have been unable to rescue the boy,” Inspector Benjamin Campbell of Brisbane Water Police District said on Wednesday.
“It’s a very tragic incident and I feel for the family at this time of year.
“It’s just a timely reminder of how dangerous the rocks can be around the ocean and how everyone has to be really careful.”
The president of Central Coast branch of Surf Live Saving NSW Slattery said crews were hoping for a positive outcome.
“Our message has been, and always will be, that the flagged locations are the safest place to swim,” he said.
“If you are in need of help, that’s the closest resource that we can get to.”
Some 20 volunteer surf rescue workers, four council lifeguards and a diver are involved in the search.
A hazardous surf warning has been issued for the Byron Coast, Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast and Sydney Coast.
“Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming in the following areas,” the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
Anyone with information about the boy’s whereabouts are urged to contact Brisbane Water Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
— with AAP
