Currumbin Beach search: Police confirm woman found safe and well after being missing for two days

Gold Coast police have confirmed their search for a missing woman, originally believed to have been ‘swept’ off Coast rocks, has come to an end after more than two days.

Gold Coast police have confirmed their search for a missing woman, originally believed to have been ‘swept off Coast rocks’, has come to an end after more than two days.

On Tuesday evening around 9.30pm Gold Coast police received a report which said a man ran from the beach where he’d seen a woman get washed off the rocks into the ocean.

Lifesavers and police continued their search around Elephant Rock at Currumbin where it was feared a woman was swept off the rocks. Picture Glenn Hampson

Gold Coast Police began land and sea searches for the missing woman in rough conditions on Tuesday evening, deploying Polair on Wednesday and adding divers on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said the man who saw the incident happen left the scene prior to them arriving, which sparked questions on the woman’s identity.

“Witnesses who remained at the scene were unable to provide any significant detail around what this female looked like, her identity, or even if she actually washed from those rocks,” he said.

On Friday police confirmed they located the woman safe and well at 11am, following two days of searching.

In 2021, it was reported the Queensland Police GQAir helicopter could cost taxpayers up to $4000 an hour.

Another source stated it could cost up to $15,000 each time it’s sent into the air, taking into account maintenance and all other costs.

Police are continuing to search for the man who reportedly saw her be swept into the water.

Lifesavers and police continue their search around Elephant Rock at Currumbin where it is feared a woman was swept off the rocks more than 35 hours ago. Picture Glenn Hampson

Divers sent on search for woman after 35 hours missing at sea

Police are continuing their search at a Gold Coast beach where it is feared a woman was swept off the rocks more than 35 hours ago.

Police were called to Currumbin Beach on Tuesday evening around 9.30pm after witnesses reported a man ran from the beach and said he saw a woman get washed off the rocks and into the ocean.

Police are continuing their land, sea and air search for the woman on Thursday after no signs of her were found on Wednesday.

A Gold Coast police spokesperson said they were deploying divers on Thursday afternoon to search for the woman.

On Wednesday morning, police found abandoned fishing equipment on the rocks near Elephant Rock on Currumbin Beach.

Police will resume search and rescue efforts at Currumbin this morning following unconfirmed reports of a missing person late last night.

For more info: https://t.co/bkttHLsKbspic.twitter.com/nelsgIJj48

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) March 21, 2023

“We’re concerned that maybe a female has been washed into the rough surf conditions that are out there at the moment,” Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said on Wednesday.

Police widened their search for the woman as they were concerned the rough conditions would have taken her elsewhere.

“If she’s been out there over this period of time, her wellbeing and safety is certainly at risk,” Acting Superintendent Knowles said.

Local police had not yet received any missing persons reports.

Police find key detail after fears woman was ‘swept’ off rocks

A fishing rod and bait was found near the rocks at Currumbin Beach where it is feared a woman was swept out to sea.

Police were called to Currumbin Beach last night following witnesses reports that a male ran from the beach saying a woman had been washed off rocks and into the ocean.

Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said police resources have been poured into searching for the woman, including air and water assets, but wet weather was making it “really difficult”.

“We don’t have a name, any description, or anything regarding this person,” he said.

“However investigations at the scene did find some fishing equipment on the rocks, so we’re concerned that maybe a female has been washed into the rough surf conditions that are out there at the moment.”

Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles.

Police are asking the man who claimed the woman was swept out to come forward to assist with inquiries, with Acting Supt Knowles confirming the male left the scene prior to authorities arriving.

“Witnesses who remained at the scene were unable to provide any significant detail around what this female looked like, her identity, or even if she actually washed from those rocks,” he said.

“(According to witnesses) the male appeared to have been in the surf, indicating he may have been searching for the woman … but the engagement between the witnesses and this male was very limited.”

Police searched from 9.30pm to 11.30pm, and have continued looking during the day with the help of Surf Life Saving jetskis.

The search has extended further along the coast today with police now looking at tidal, currents, and the rough weather, to try and determine where the woman might be.

“If she’s been out there over this period of time, her wellbeing and safety is certainly at risk,” Acting Supt Knowles said.

“We’ve looked at council CCTV and the CCTV from the surf club (but) given the distance of the rocks from the surf club, it’s inconclusive as to whether there was actually a female there or not.”

EARLIER: A major police search is in progress after a call to say a woman had been ‘swept’ off rocks at a Gold Coast beach.

Gold Coast police began a sea and shore search on Wednesday morning for the woman, who was reported missing off Currumbin Beach around 9.30pm on Tuesday.

The police spokesperson said they were unable to have helicopters searching for the woman due to the wet weather.

Police began the search last night after a man reported the incident to police and had to stop due to rough sea conditions.

Police are appealing to the man who reported the woman missing to immediately contact them to provide further information.

“It is crucial that this man contacts us,” Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said.

“We need to know first-hand what he saw.

“We have an idea who he may be and have made some inquiries and have not been able to locate him, but it would assist greatly if he got in contact with police.”

Local police had not yet received any missing persons reports overnight.

Police are urging anyone with information to call them immediately.

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