Search for swimmer missing off Gunnamatta Beach enters fourth day

Police and emergency services are ramping up their efforts as the search for man missing off a popular beach enters its fourth day.

The search for a swimmer who disappeared off a notorious Victorian beach has entered its fourth day.

A 20-year-old North Melbourne man has not been since Friday when he went swimming with his 16-year-old brother about 6.45pm at Gunnamatta Beach on the state’s Mornington Peninsula.

It’s understood the brothers encountered difficulties in the surf about 50m from the shore, prompting the pair’s father, who was watching from the beach, to try to rescue them.

The search for a 20-year-old North Melbourne man last seen off Gunnamatta Beach on the Mornington Peninsula has entered its fourth day. Picture: Tony Gough

The father himself encountered difficulties and needed to be rescued by surf lifesavers, along with the 16-year-old son, but rescuers were unable to reach the elder brother.

Police said investigators had been told that the missing man was last seen wearing navy blue shorts and black, grey and green goggles.

The father, in his 40s, and the son were taken to Frankston Hospital on Friday night with non-life-threatening injuries.

The swimmer encountered difficulties about 50m from the shore on Friday afternoon but was unable to be rescued by surf lifesavers. Picture: Tony Gough

On the weekend, Victoria Police Acting Inspector Ian Pregnell said the swell was heavy and the winds were strong on the day the man went missing.

Inspector Pregnell said the family were tourists, staying locally at an Airbnb.

Beach Safe describes Gunnamatta Beach as a “highly hazardous” beach with a “wide, rip-dominated surf zone”.

Six people have drowned in Victoria since Christmas Day, including four in the three days after Christmas.

Originally published as Search for swimmer missing off Gunnamatta Beach enters fourth day