Marine Rescue NSW volunteers stood down for the day in the search for a missing swimmer off Little Bay Beach

Marine Rescue NSW crews have been stood down for the day in the search for a missing 18-year-old male swimmer off Little Bay Beach.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said vessels from Marine Rescue Trial Bay and Marine Rescue Port Macquarie searched waters from Laggers Point to Gap Beach for almost eight hours today.

“Both vessels were stood down for the day at 3:45pm after conducting numerous legs offshore alongside an NSW Water Police vessel.

“Our volunteers have shown huge commitment today, with Marine Rescue Nambucca providing a Coxswain on the Trial Bay vessel, while Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Unit Commander Greg Davies drove fresh crew to South West Rocks to replace the crew on board Port Macquarie 30 at 1pm.

“Our radio operators from both the Trial Bay and Port Macquarie units have also been exceptional managing communications.

“I cannot thank our volunteers enough; their dedication to service is incredible,” he said.

“The Port Macquarie vessel will remain in South West Rocks overnight, with Unit Commander Davies to deliver a new crew tomorrow morning,” Inspector Murray said.

“Trial Bay 30 and Port Macquarie 30 will continue the search at 8am tomorrow (Tuesday 2 December). They will focus on an area determined by Marine Area Command.”