by The frantic search for a 15-year-old missing after he was swept from rocks at a popular beach on the NSW Central Coast is no longer a rescue mission, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to North Avoca Beach about 3pm on Tuesday after a teenager – since identified as Luca Bennett – was swept from rocks on the beach.
Brisbane Water Police District officers, Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were involved in a search of the area on Tuesday, with the effort continuing into Wednesday.
A missing teenager who was swept away at a NSW beach has been identified as Luca Bennett. Picture: Instagram
In a statement, NSW Police said the boy was yet to be located as of Thursday morning, and that the search would be scaled back as it entered into a recovery phase following expert advice.
It comes as tributes flow online for the teenager, who is understood to be a basketballer and student at The Scots College.
“Thinking of Luca’s family and all his friends at this time of year,” one user commented on social media.
Brisbane Water Police District officer Inspector Ben Campbell said the teenager was with two other friends when the three of them were hit by a wave.
“Two of the 15-year-olds have been able to get out of the water but a third hasn’t been able to,” Mr Campbell said, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The teenager has been missing since about 3pm on Tuesday. Photo: NewsWire/Tom Parrish
The teen was reportedly on the rocks with two other friends when they were hit by a wave. Photo: NewsWire/Tom Parrish
“His two friends raised the alarm with nearby lifeguards… but they have been unable to rescue the boy.”
Mr Campbell called the situation “tragic” and said the boy’s family were “very upset”.
Marine Rescue Terrigal also assisted NSW Police with the search on Tuesday.
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond confirmed a volunteer crew and rescue vessel were deployed in the afternoon.
“Terrigal 30 rendezvoused with a NSW Water Police vessel off The Skillion and is now conducting search patterns under the direction of NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Raymond said.
“Conditions offshore are choppy with 2.5m to 3m swell.”
The two other friends were able to get out of the water but the 15-year-old has not been rescued as of yet. Picture: Marine Rescue NSW
Inspector Raymond said crews searched for about two and a half hours before they were told to stand down at 7pm, with the search tipped to resume on Christmas morning.
“Terrigal 30 will conduct search patterns in an area to be determined by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” he said.
Anyone with information about the boy’s whereabouts have been urged to come forward.
Central Coast Council councillor Jared Wright said emergency responders would continue working to rescue the young man throughout the day and into the night.
Marine Rescue NSW crews were told to stand down about 7pm Tuesday. Picture: Marine Rescue NSW.
The search for the teen is set to resume Christmas morning. Picture: Marine Rescue NSW.
“The thoughts of our community are with the young man and his family during this difficult time,” Mr Wright said.
“I understand that emergency responders will continue working through the day until dark.
“I also want to thank the volunteers at Terrigal Marine Rescue for assisting in the search efforts.
“As always, the Central Coast community has come together during a difficult time.”
Central Coast Council councillor Jared Wright said his thoughts are with the young man and his family. Picture: Supplied.
He also urged people to stay safe in and around water this summer.
“For those visiting our beaches across the summer and particularly over the holiday period, please remember to be safe in and around the water,” he said.
“Swim between the flags, swim with a friend where you can and always let someone else know where you are going.”
