A SEARCH and rescue operation has been called off this evening and will resume at first light as a recovery effort, to locate the body of a man in his 20s believed to have drowned.
Emergency services were called to Fingal Head Beach, Fingal Head, at about 3.15pm (Wednesday, February 7) following reports of a swimmer in trouble.
“An operation was launched involving police, Surf Life Saving Australia, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW Ambulance paramedics and Marine Rescue,” police said.
“A man’s body was located in the water a short time later but rescuers were unable to recover the man due to the dangerous surf conditions.
“The body is believed to be that of a man aged in his 20s who was swimming at the location.
“A search is expected to resume in the morning. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Reports from the scene have stated that the “man can be seen 50-metres off the headland of Fingal Head.”
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter said in a media statement that it is presently conducting the search off Fingal Head lighthouse area.
Reports said the man had been swept out to sea, however it was unknown how he entered the sea.
Local Police and Surf Life Savers are also involved in the search.
