Surfer feared missing off Coogee Beach, found at home

A frantic search for a missing surfer was called off this afternoon after police found him at his home safe, well and totally unaware authorities had been searching for him since yesterday.

A missing surfer, who sparked a desperate helicopter search after it appeared he failed to return to the beach on Tuesday as wild weather ripped through Sydney, has been found at his Coogee home.

Police were called to Coogee Beach just after 5pm Tuesday after receiving reports of a surfer struggling in the water.

Officers were told the man had a long blue surfboard and appeared to battling with large swells about 200 metres offshore.

Police were called to Coogee Beach just after 5pm yesterday after reports of a surfer struggling in the water. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

One witness told police the surfer looked to be near two others in the water but they were unable to give officers any indication of where the man went.

Authorities have since reviewed CCTV footage that confirmed seven surfers were in the water about 5pm but only six left.

Police searched the beach with the help of a rescue helicopter overhead.

Acting Inspector Peter Lawlor from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command said it was possible the surfer left the beach via another route not covered by a CCTV camera. He urged anyone with information to come forward.

A rescue chopper searches for a missing surfer over Gordons Bay and Coogee Beach. He was found at his Coogee home today. Photo: Rob Largent/Facebook

“Our main focus to make sure the man is okay.”

Following the public appeal, a man contacted police who then attended a home in Coogee where they spoke to the 31-year-old man, identified as the missing surfer.

He had made his way to shore and was unaware of the search.

Authorities thanked the media and community for their assistance.