A search is resuming for an 11-year-old boy swept out to sea by a strong current on the New South Wales Central Coast on Sunday evening.
Bystanders noticed the boy had been swept into the ocean while trying to cross The Entrance channel about 5.15pm on Sunday and alerted emergency services.
NSW police were told a 43-year-old man had been crossing the channel between an estuary and the ocean from the northern side with his four boys, aged 11, nine, seven and three. The eldest child was swept into the ocean.
“While two bystanders looked after the other three children, the man tried to reach the boy but was unsuccessful,” police said.
An extensive rescue effort was launched, with marine area command, Surf Life Saving and rescue helicopters conducting a land, air and sea search – alongside local emergency services and police. The search continued until darkness.
It was expected to resume from 8am on Monday. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
The Entrance is at the mouth of Tuggerah Lake and is a popular weekend and holiday destination 100km north of Sydney.
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– with Australian Associated Press
