Human bone discovered at shipwreckat Byron Bay beach near shipwreck

Police are probing whether a human bone found at a popular shipwreck off a Byron Bay beach belongs to a tourist who went missing this year. Here’s the latest.

Police are investigating whether a bone discovered at a shipwreck off a busy Byron Bay beach belongs to a Colombian national who went missing in the surf in March.

However, NSW Police are not ruling out the bone found at Belongil Beach belonging to Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez, who was last seen in Byron in 2019.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Kehoe from Tweed Byron Police District said the first avenue of inquiry would be if the bone belonged to the Colombian man.

Tweed Byron Police District Chief Inspector Matt Kehoe. Picture: Liana Boss

“We have obtained a DNA sample that we would be able to link from the missing Columbian man, so that will be one of the first avenues of investigations we will pursue,” he said.

Insp Kehoe said the bone was a substantial size and had likely been in the water for a couple months.

Police have found other undisclosed items nearby that have been taken in for testing. The results are expected to take a few weeks.

The Wreck is a popular surf spot in Byron Bay, named after the remains of the SS Wollongbar just offshore.

Insp Kehoe was pleased a diver came forward after finding the bone in the ocean floor at the SS Wollongbar wreck about 1.30pm on May 6.

“If people come across any things like that, please let police know so they can check it out at the location,” he said.

The tourist hub of Byron is a popular spot for international visitors, but has seen its share of tragedy, including drownings and shark attacks.

The shipwreck can be seen from shore.

In January, Colombian national Sebas Sánchez Leon drowned at New Brighton Beach in Byron Shire.

Diver finds human bone while exploring Byron wreck

Tuesday: A diver has found a human bone poking out of the ocean floor while he was exploring a shipwreck during a lesson at Belongil Beach in Byron Bay.

On Tuesday, police confirmed the discovery, which was made by diving instructor Jason Baker at the SS Wollongbar wreck about 1.30pm on May 6.

NSW Police stated: “Officers attached to Tweed-Byron Police District are investigating following the discovery of a bone offshore at Belongil Beach, Byron Bay, about 1.30pm on Saturday, May 6, 2023.”

People dive off the remains of the wreck during Schoolies in 2013.

The bone has been found as Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez remains missing, after last being seen in Byron in 2019. The 18-year-old’s disappearance sparked interest across Australia and the globe, and sparked The Australian’s The Lighthouse podcast.

Back in early March, it was reported a swimmer had gone missing near the shipwreck.

Now, police have been conducting examinations on the bone.

The Wollongbar lost its tie to the old Byron Bay Pier during a cyclone on 14th May 1921. Picture: Contributed

“The bone underwent forensic examination, which determined it was human,” police stated.

“Investigations are continuing. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.”

Mr Barker confirmed to the media he found the bone during the dive. He has been contacted for comment.