Body found in search for missing Melbourne man along New South Wales river

A BODY believed to be that of a missing Melbourne man has been found in a river in New South Wales.

Peter 'Pace' Abd-El-Kaddous, 42, went missing while swimming in the Murrumidgee River at Wagga Wagga.

A BODY believed to be that of a missing Melbourne man has been found in a river in New South Wales.

Peter “Pace” Abd-El-Kaddous went missing on Wednesday, after he was dragged under water by his heavy clothing while swimming at Wagga Wagga.

Mr Abd-El-Kaddous’ wife tried to hold onto her husband but she lost her grip and he disappeared.

Police divers searched the Murrumbidgee River for the 42-year-old today.

Officers located the body of a man this afternoon.

His identity has not yet been confirmed however police believe it is Mr Abd-El-Kaddous.

“Initial investigations suggest there were no suspicious circumstances involved,” NSW police said.

It’s believed Mr Abd-El-Kaddous was swimming with his wife about 3.40pm Wednesday when his three-quarter length denim shorts weighed him down.

Police from Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, the State Emergency Service (SES), Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and Ambulance Rescue have since been co-ordinating a search.

Inspector Phil Malligan said there were a number of submerged trees in the area of the river where Mr Abd-El-Kaddous went missing, caused by recent flooding, which may have snagged the man as he was carried away.

“After only swimming for approximately 20 metres, the weight of the pants has pulled him under the water,” Mr Malligan told Fairfax Media.

“His wife had a hold of him, but due to the force of the water has lost grip of him and he’s gone under.”

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Originally published as Body found in search for missing Melbourne man along New South Wales river