Arabic version: العثور على جثة خلال البحث عن سبّاح مفقود في نورث وولونغونغ

According to ABC News, the body of a man believed to be 32 years old was found in the water near North Wollongong Beach during a multi-agency search for a missing swimmer. NSW Police have not formally identified the body and are investigating the incident.

Emergency services were called to the Wollongong beach at about 10:30am after welfare concerns were raised for a swimmer who had not returned from the water. The swimmer’s belongings had been found on the beach, prompting a response from NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Marine Rescue and Surf Life Saving NSW.

Searchers found the body slightly submerged off the rock platform near the Continental Pool, about one kilometre south of the beach. It was retrieved and brought back to shore by emergency services. Surf Life Saving NSW Illawarra duty officer Anthony Turner said the search was completed within an hour.

Turner said Surf Life Saving deployed three inflatable rescue boats, two rescue services, jet skis, a UAV drone and the Westpac Lifesaver 21 helicopter from Sydney. Marine Area Command operated offshore, while council lifeguards used jet skis. He said the circumstances surrounding the death would be a matter for police investigation.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Turner said North Beach was patrolled from 9am to 4pm during the off-season and urged people to choose patrolled beaches and check surf conditions before entering the water.