Family ‘remain hopeful’ after 11-year-old Laith Alaid swept out to sea at The Entrance

The family of an 11-year-old boy who was swept into the ocean on Sunday say they “remain hopeful” as the search continues.

The family of an 11-year-old boy who was swept into the ocean on the NSW Central Coast say they “remain hopeful” as the search continues.

Emergency services were called following reports Laith Alaid had been swept into the ocean while attempting to cross The Entrance Channel about 5.15pm on Sunday.

Laith Alaid was swept out to sea on Sunday. Picture: Supplied.

Laith’s 43-year-old father was crossing the channel from the North Entrance side, with his four boys – aged 11, nine, seven and three – when the eldest child was swept into the ocean by the current.

The father attempted to rescue his son but was unable to reach him before the boy was swept out to sea.

Laith’s family have said they “remain hopeful” while thanking those who have contributed to search efforts.

“We are deeply moved by the community support we have received since Laith went missing at The Entrance on Sunday morning,” the family said in a statement.

The search continued on Tuesday. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

“Thank you to all the volunteers, emergency services, and members of the Central Coast community who have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to the search efforts.

“We remain hopeful, and we ask the community to stay vigilant for anything that might assist in the search.”

The family also said they wouldn’t be making any further comment.

“During this difficult time, we kindly request privacy from the media as we support each other and focus on finding our beloved boy,” the statement read.

The 11-year-old boy was swept out to sea while wading across the channel at The Entrance. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

Authorities have entered their third day of searching for the boy. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

A NSW Police spokeswoman said the search resumed about 8am on Tuesday.

Inspector David Piddington told media on Monday there would be an extensive search for the boy.

“Aerial assets, marine assets, surf lifesaving assets will continue throughout the day (on Monday) with the priority of trying to find the boy,” he said.

Inspector Paddington said the family had travelled to The Central Coast from Sydney and were fishing together.

“The family were here fishing and they were attempting to cross the channel when the boy was swept into the ocean from the channel,” he said.

It’s understood the family had recently moved to Australia from Iraq.

He was fishing with his father and brothers. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

The family’s first language was not English, he added.

Inspector Piddington said while investigators didn’t know why the family decided to cross the channel, “it is a shortcut from the beach”.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information into the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Family ‘remain hopeful’ after 11-year-old Laith Alaid swept out to sea at The Entrance