Marine Rescue Port Macquarie crews to continue search for missing swimmer tomorrow

Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers and vessels have been stood down for the day after assisting in the multi-agency search for a missing 20-year-old male swimmer at Shelly Beach.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said rescue vessels Port Macquarie 30 and Port Macquarie 21 spent seven hours on the water today.

“With the support of volunteer radio operators, vessel crews resumed the search just before 8am. Both crews were relieved by fresh volunteers at lunchtime to assist with fatigue management and to provide fresh eyes on the water.

“Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers searched a large area today, from Miners Beach to Nobbys Beach, extending five nautical miles (9km) offshore, before being stood down for the day at 3pm,” he said.

Inspector Murray said Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteer crews, radio operators and vessels had been requested to assist in the search for a third consecutive day tomorrow.

“Crews on board both Marine Rescue NSW vessels will resume the search at 8am tomorrow (Friday 29 August), focusing on an area determined by Marine Area Command,” he said.