A diver has been found dead after a search and rescue operation at Newport Beach.
Just after 9.30am this morning (Sunday, 15 December), Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) Newport patrol was approached by a diver who said he had not seen his friend for some time.
The men had been skin diving at the southern end of the beach, near Newport reef. Newport patrol launched three Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs), and they were joined by two additional IRBs from Bilgola and Bungan Beach and three SLSNSW jet-skis.
NSW Police Marine Area Command sent a boat from Church Point, and they were joined by three Marine Rescue NSW search vessels.
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter also responded to the area but after an initial sweep, departed when the NSW Police PolAir helicopter arrived to assist with the search.
The search was focused in the area around the Newport rock pool at the southern end of the beach and through the area known as ‘crosswaves’, to the northern end of Bungan Beach.
Items believed to belong to the missing diver were found, including swim fins and fishing bags. Dye packs were dropped into the water based on the location of the belongings and a line search of the water was undertaken from midway along Newport Beach to the reef.
Just before 11.30am lifesavers located the man’s body in the water and pulled him into an IRB, where he was confirmed to be deceased.
He was then taken to the water police vessel where his body was transferred and taken to the Marine Area Command base at Church Point.
The man is understood to be approximately 50 years old. Following inquiries by the Northern Beaches Advocate, a NSW Police spokesperson confirmed the man’s body had been recovered.
“About 9.50am Sunday, 15 December 2024, emergency services were called to Newport Beach following reports of a concern for welfare for a man who was swimming in waters nearby.
“Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command attended, and a search commenced in the area including Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving NSW, PolAir, Marine Rescue and a Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.
“About 11.30am, the man’s body was located in waters nearby. The body is yet to be formally identified; however, he is believed to be aged in his 50s. A report will be prepared for the Coroner,” said the NSW Police spokesperson.
The Northern Beaches was recently named the number one Local Government Area in Australia for
deaths from coastal drownings.
www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au
