Marine Rescue NSW crews stood down for the day in search for missing teen swimmer as conditions deteriorate off Little Bay Beach

Marine Rescue NSW crews assisting the multi-agency search for a missing 18-year-old male swimmer off Little Bay Beach on the state’s Mid North Coast have been stood down for the day due to deteriorating offshore conditions.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said volunteer crews on board Trial Bay 30 and Port Macquarie 30 resumed the search shortly before 8am today.

“Both Marine Rescue NSW vessels conducted a parallel-line search in an area designated by Marine Area Command, from Laggers Point to Green Island.

“Unfortunately, conditions have worsened across the morning,” she said.

“Our volunteer crews battled a 25 to 30-knot south-westerly and a 1.5-metre swell, which is increasing,” Inspector Greenslade said.

“It has become quite uncomfortable, making it extremely challenging for our volunteers.

“Both vessels have now left the main search area.

“Port Macquarie 30 began returning home at 10:30am and is conducting a coastal contour search, while Trial Bay 30 is performing a similar search to the north on its return to base.

“Radio operators at Marine Rescue Trial Bay provided comprehensive communications support this morning, which was also monitored by volunteers at the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie radio hub,” Inspector Greenslade said.