Huge rescue response triggered after locals spot overturned boat at Bronte Beach

A Sydney-wide rescue effort was launched this morning after concerned locals spotted an overturned boat. But now the mystery seems to have been solved.

A massive rescue effort has concluded in Sydney’s eastern suburbs after concerned locals, checking out the massive surf, spotted an overturned boat.

A NSW Police spokeswoman confirmed officers were investigating, alongside a number of rescue choppers and the SES.

“Seas of Sydney’s eastern suburbs have been searched this morning after a report that a sailing boat had capsized and the person was feared to be in the water,” the spokeswoman said.

“Officers attached to Sydney’s eastern suburbs police area command attended Bronte Beach after the report was received at 8.45am today.”

The semi-submerged boat off Bronte Beach. Picture: Channel 7

However the mystery seems to have been solved after a boat owner showed up to Paddington Police Station just before 11am.

“A man attended Paddington Police Station a short time ago and confirmed to police he was the owner of a half-submerged boat which was located in seas off the Eastern Suburbs this morning,” NSW Police said in a statement.

“The man told police when he last saw his boat it was moored at Gordons Bay. Police have suspended the search pending any further information.”

Sydney’s beaches have been battered by heavy swells. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

Earlier, up to four rescue helicopters were spotted hovering over Bronte and Bondi Beach, looking for people in the water.

Police confirmed they had not received an official report anyone was in the water.

“A search was initiated involving water police, police rescue, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Ambulance, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Polair,” the police spokeswoman said.

“At this time, there have been no reports of people missing and police are investigating that a number of small boats, or dinghies, may have slipped their moorings in the heavy swell.”

Big seas have damaged Bronte promenade, North Bondi near the pool and closed the Bondi to Bronte walkway at Notts Avenue. We're assessing now, but please take care everyone and avoid these areas. pic.twitter.com/pX45uAE5jF

— Waverley Council (@WaverleyCouncil) April 1, 2022

Police urged anyone with information to contact CrimeStopppers or their local police.

Police continue to advise surfers and swimmers to stay out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.

Sydney’s beaches are being lashed by storm force winds, whipping up 5m high waves and creating dangerous surf conditions.

Maroubra Beach was closed earlier this week due to a huge 8m swell and dangerous rips while Bronte and Tamarama beaches were also closed ahead of the wild weather.

The coast is being smashed by dangerous swells. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

Almost the entire stretch of northern beaches including Avalon, Collaroy, Dee Why, Freshwater, Manly and Narrabeen are all closed due to large surf and stormwater pollution.

The city is set to be pummelled by dangerous winds in excess of 100km/h, with a severe weather warning in place across almost the entire NSW coast.

On Thursday night, waves exceeding 10m were recorded off the coast of Sydney.

The weather system which brought a second bout of major flooding to northern NSW and southeast Queensland has moved south.