Suspected human remains found on Little Bay two days after search for missing swimmer suspended

Suspected human remains have been found on Little Bay at Arakoon five days after an 18-year-old swimmer went missing from the same beach.

What happened: About 7.30am on Friday (December 5) police were called to Little Bay after what is believed to be human remains were found by a member of the public. 

The remains have been taken for forensic examination and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Previously: About 4.20pm on Sunday (November 30) emergency services were called to Little Bay near South West Rocks after reports an 18-year-old man was in trouble in the water.

Local police, Marine Rescue and Surf Life Saving crews responded and authorities conducted a search of the area, but were unable to locate the man.

Mid North Coast Surf Life Saving said the man had been swept out to sea after being caught in a powerful rip current.

Challenging conditions: Despite challenging conditions, volunteer lifesavers launched an immediate on-water and land-based response including the use of a drone for aerial surveillance.

• “Surf Life Savers were on site with a Duty Officer, an Inflatable Rescue Boat and land support within 15 minutes,” A Mid North Coast Surf Life Saver spokesperson said.

Search called off: Search efforts on Sunday afternoon were hampered by a large swell, poor visibility, strong winds, and the onset of nightfall, which limited the ability to continue operations into the evening.

• More than 30 Surf Life Saving volunteers continued to support the police-led search throughout Monday and Tuesday. 

• The search was called off on Wednesday (December 3).

Thumbnail: (L) Location of Little Bay at Arakoon near South West Rocks. Google Maps (R) Little Bay in August.