Volunteer surf lifesavers assisted in the three-day search for a 42-year-old man who was reported missing from Gillards Beach on the NSW Far South Coast on Wednesday 14 August.
Authorities were alerted to the man’s disappearance by his twin brother who discovered his brother's belongings on the beach after he did not return from a swim.
Police and volunteer lifesavers from the Far South Coast Branch responded to the isolated location in the Mimosa Rocks National Park, near Tathra. Inflatable rescue boats (IRBs), jetskis and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drone were all deployed in the search for the man. A NSW Ambulance helicopter was also tasked to the scene.
Dye packs and strobe lights were deployed in the water at the location where the missing man’s belongings were found to ascertain the direction of the sea current at the beach, to aid the search and rescue effort.
The search for the man continued for two days with four Surf Life Saving IRBs from nearby clubs, jetskis and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Drone being deployed in the search for the missing man. The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter conducted an off-shore search in conjunction with NSW Water Police and Marine Rescue vessels from Merimbula and Pambula.
Cheryl McCarthy,Far South Coast Duty Officer said that although the search and rescue team was sorry not have brought closure to the missing man's family, that it had been an amazing effort by the volunteer team, comprising members from five local clubs.
"Our volunteers take time away from their work and families and put in their utmost effort to find the missing man. We're proud of the effort our volunteers put in." said Cheryl.
The search for the missing man was suspended at 1pm on Friday 16 August.
Friday 16 August 2019