Search continues for missing teenager swept off rocks on NSW coast

Wednesday, 25 December 2024 00:00

Luca Bennett, 15, was one of three boys swept off the rocks at North Avoca Beach on Christmas Eve.

The Christmas Day search for a missing teenager who was swept into the ocean on the NSW Central Coast has continued for a second day.

Luca Bennett was one of three boys swept off the rocks by a wave at 2.40pm at North Avoca Beach on Christmas Eve.

NSW Police Inspector Ben Campbell said two of the boys managed to make it back to shore and raised the alarm with lifeguards who immediately started to search for the 15-year-old.

A search crew is looking for missing teenager Luca Bennett at North Avoca Beach.

They were unable to find him and called emergency services at about 3.10pm.

"As a result, police resources and other emergency resources have been activated," Campbell said.

"The search was conducted until darkness. We haven't been able to find anyone at this stage."

Campbell said the conditions had been tough for lifeguards, with a strong wind and rough swell hindering efforts.

"Conditions are still very rough around there," he said.

The search was scaled down at dark yesterday but resumed at about 5.45am on Christmas Day, involving Brisbane Water Police District, with the assistance of the Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The incident sparked a warning from Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce, who urged Australians to be careful in the water this Christmas.

"We want everyone to return to their families and to do that we plead with you to please think before you take risks," he said.

A search for a missing 15-year-old resumes at North Avoca Beach on the NSW Central coast.

"We're already seeing these major incidents come through which are devastating for many families at this time of year."

Campbell confirmed the boy's family had been contacted.

"It's a very tragic incident," he said.

"It's a timely reminder of how dangerous the rocks can be around the ocean."

A hazardous surf warning was in place for yesterday and today in parts of NSW, including the Central Coast.

Since July 1, there have been 17 recorded coastal drownings.

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