Swimmer seen struggling missing at Bennetts Beach at Hawks Nest

HVR Sports   swimming HVR Sports 450x285 Swimmer seen struggling missing at Bennetts Beach at Hawks Nest
January 9, 2016
HVR Sports   swimming HVR Sports Swimmer seen struggling missing at Bennetts Beach at Hawks Nest

Officers were called to Bennetts Beach at Hawks Nest at 4:00pm after receiving reports of a swimmer struggling in the water.

The search, which includes air and marine units, resumed at first light today.

Police said the 20-year-old man was swimming with three friends in an unpatrolled area of the beach.

He was last seen struggling in the water after his friend got caught in a rip, officers said.

Surf Lifesaving NSW (SLSNSW) spokesman Liam Howitt said an experienced team including police divers was looking for the man today.

“We will have volunteer surf life savers from Hawks Nest, the local club, providing water support to this search,” Mr Howitt said.

“This search is going to be led under the direction of NSW Police and we will be providing assistance in any way we can.”

He said there was a dangerous surf warning in place today, which may hamper the search.

“Visibility can become an issue,” he said.

“Everyone involved has been involved in searches before, but they certainly will take the conditions into account.”

An SLSNSW spokesman said yesterday a member of the public saw the group and ran two kilometres to alert patrolling lifeguards.

Police said one of the men was able to swim to safety.

Once at the scene, lifeguards said they rescued the missing man’s friends, but were unable to find him.

Police said they believe the 20-year-old was last seen submerged under water.

Translate »