Body found in search for swimmer missing in Tweed River at Chinderah

A body believed to be that of a missing Tweed Heads swimmer has been found after an exhaustive search.

A search is under way for a boy missing in the Tweed River. File picture: Daniel Alexander

A body believed to be that of a missing Tweed Heads swimmer has been found after an exhaustive search along the Coolangatta and Tweed coasts.

The man, aged in his 20s, was reported to have been seen struggling in the water at Chinderah, just south of Tweed Heads, just after 1pm Thursday, prompting a widespread search by Tweed-Byron Police District and Marine Area Command with the help of Surf Life Saving Australia, NSW Ambulance, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Queensland Marine Area Command and Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.

Searchers made the discovery of a body in nearby waters just after 7pm, and although it is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing swimmer.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

It comes after a frantic search was launched about 1.15pm on Thursday involving the Westpac rescue helicopter and lifesavers

The Westpac rescue helicopter joins the search for the missing swimmer.

Water police, the Queensland Marine Area Command and Marine Rescue NSW volunteers were also involved.

“We’ve got serious concerns for the safety of this individual,” Tweed-Byron police district inspector Matt Woods said on Thursday

Police divers from Queensland were also called in to assist in the search.