Marine Rescue Port Macquarie volunteers search for missing swimmer off Shelly Beach

Four Marine Rescue Port Macquarie vessels and crews were deployed this afternoon to assist in the multi-agency search for a 20-year-old male swimmer last seen at Shelly Beach.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said crews from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie were tasked by NSW Police Marine Area Command just before 4pm today (Wednesday 27 August).

“Crews were immediately assembled and deployed on board two Marine Rescue NSW boats and two Marine Rescue NSW rescue watercraft (jet skis).

“The Marine Rescue Port Macquarie rescue watercraft operators searched the rocks at both ends of Shelly Beach, while the vessels searched from just behind the breakers, seaward for 3 nautical miles (5.5 km).

“Conditions weren’t favourable, with a two-and-a-half metre swell,” he said.

“It was uncomfortable for our volunteer crews, but they remained on the water until being stood down for the day at 6pm,” Inspector Murray said.

“Two vessels from Marine Rescue Port Macquarie will resume the search at 8am tomorrow under the direction of Marine Area Command.

“The volunteer radio operators at the Marine Rescue Port Macquarie hub did a tremendous job managing communications, and they will continue to support the search tomorrow,” he said.