English tourist vanishes in surf on last full day in Australia

IT was supposed to be his last full day in Australia before flying home. Now a frantic search is underway for 31-year-old who disappeared after a swim.

Missing swimmer search at Sth Curl Curl, Sydney, NSW, Australia on October 18 2015. Photo: Kate Zarifeh

AN English tourist was lost at sea off a Sydney beach on his last full day in Australia before he was due to fly home.

The 31-year-old had also shared pictures of Curl Curl beach online with friends — the last image he posted was of lifesaver flags at Curl Curl, where he was last seen on Saturday night.

The Manchester man, who police have asked not to be named, had been in Australia for only a week. He spent Saturday fishing with friends before going for a swim alone that night. His friends raised the alarm about 7pm when he failed to return.

Since then, emergency crews have scoured the coastline in boats and jet skis as well as from the air.

Police were also searching the local area in case he had gotten out of the water and become lost.

“We also have the concern that perhaps he’s gotten out of the water at some point not knowing where he’s gone and he’s wandering around the local area but we’ve got police looking for him,” northern beaches Insp Susan Preston told the Daily Telegraph.

His friends were devastated.

“As you could imagine, it’s very distressing for them,” Inspector Preston said.

Residents said South Curl Curl could be dangerous if you weren’t used to the conditions because of a hidden rip. There is also a big drop into deep water where there have been several rescues and drownings.

He was 100m offshore when he was last seen. He is described as caucasian with a slim build, short red hair and a beard and about 175cm tall.

A search gets under way at Curl Curl. Photo: Kate Zarifeh

Originally published as English tourist vanishes in surf on last full day in Australia