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The search for a missing swimmer at Fairy Meadow in the Illawarra has continued after the man was initially reported as in distress just after 6.30pm on 29 October.

Three jet skis, six Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs), three ATVs and the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter have all been assisting in the search since 7am Monday 30 October.

The search area is currently a 14km stretch of coastline from Bellambi Point to Port Kembla.

It comes after volunteer lifesavers from Fairy Meadow SLSC and North Wollongong SLSC responded after hours on Sunday evening to an incident unfolding at Fairy Meadow Beach.

At approximately 6.38pm, the Surf Life Saving NSW State Operations Centre was alerted to a potential male in distress more than 100m offshore after members of the public witnessed a man submerging in the water.

It’s the second Search and Rescue mission conducted by volunteer lifesavers in a matter of days, after a three-day search for a missing male last seen at Nobbys Beach in Port Macquarie on the state’s Mid North Coast.

Australian Lifeguard Service and Surf Life Saving NSW assets hit the water from 9am on Friday 27 October and assisted Police in the search for three days before being stood down on Sunday 29 October.

Monday 30 October 2023