The Entrance Channel: Family of missing boy Laith Alaid, 11, issue statement thanking emergency services

The search for an 11-year-old boy swept out to sea after a fishing trip on the Central Coast has been suspended. It comes as his family issued a heartfelt statement.

Laith Alaid, who went missing at The Entrance on Sunday Picture: Supplied (by family via Police Media Unit)

A large scale, multi-agency search for a boy swept out to sea while trying to cross a notorious channel has been suspended.

NSW Police said the search was halted at 4pm on Tuesday however local police, lifesavers and marine rescue volunteers would continue regular patrols of the area over the coming days.

It comes as his family have issued a heartfelt statement thanking emergency services and the community.

Laith Alaid was following his father, aged 43, and three younger brothers, aged nine, seven and three, across The Entrance Channel about 5.15pm on Sunday when he lost his footing in the fast-moving current and was swept out to sea.

He hasn’t been seen since.

“We are deeply moved by the community support we have received since Laith went missing at The Entrance on Sunday,” a statement released by his family read

“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.”

The search continues into its third day. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

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

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

Members of Laith’s family have kept vigil at the search site hoping for some sign. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

The family said it would not be making any further comment at this time.

It comes as more volunteers from Marine Rescue Central Coast have joined the search which has now covered a massive area from Norah Head in the north to as far south as Avoca Beach and 4.3 nautical miles out to sea.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Courtney Greenslade said vessels and crews from Norah Head and Terrigal resumed the search at 8am today.

“Norah Head 20 and Terrigal 30 are conducting an offshore parallel line search with a NSW Water Police vessel while three more Marine Rescue NSW assets are being added to the search,” she said.

The boy got swept away at the notorious channel. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes vessel TL 20 and rescue watercraft (jet skis) have been tasked to search waters on Tuggerah Lake.

Inspector Greenslade said TL 20 has just been deployed while two Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie rescue watercraft (RWC) and their operators would be on water shortly after departing the Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie Pelican base at 11am.

“TL 20 and the RWCs will focus on areas in Tuggerah Lake as directed by NSW Police Marine Area Command,” Inspector Greenslade said.

Surf Life Saving Central Coast drone pilots have also extensively searched inside the channel either side of The Entrance Bridge.