Search for missing swimmer, Towradgi

The Westpac Life Saver joined emergency services in the search for a missing swimmer, north of Wollongong.

The eight year old boy was swimming with his sister at Corrimal about 6.30 pm last night when they were caught in a rip.  The young girl was able to make it back to shore and raise the alarm.

An extensive search through to nightfall last night was unsuccessful and the search resumed this morning at 7.00 am.   Currently, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter, Polair, local surf lifesavers, Wollongong Council lifeguards, Water Police vessels, the State Emergency Service and Marine Rescue NSW are conducting an extensive air, land and sea search.

“The Westpac Life Saver has dropped bright green ocean dye into the ocean near the site where the boy was last seen,” said Westpac Life Saver CEO, Stephen Leahy.   “The current is reasonably slow, moving towards the south.  This has allowed us to set up our aerial search patterns and these are extending as far south as North Wollongong.

Update: 25th January 2012, 1000 hours:   The Westpac Life Saver has returned to the search area with local surf lifesavers, police and other emegency services.   Despite an extensive search being undertaken, the boy has yet to be found.