The search for a young swimmer who vanished near Wollongong has taken a tragic turn after emergency services recovered a man’s body.
New South Wales Police said in a statement that emergency services raced to Cliff Road, North Wollongong on Sunday morning after receiving reports a swimmer’s belongings were found after he failed to return to shore.
The discovery triggered a search involving multiple emergency personnel in a bid to find the missing man.
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“About 10.40am (Sunday 9 August 2026), emergency services were called to Cliff Road, North Wollongong, after reports the belongings of a swimmer who had not returned from the water had been located,” the police statement read.
“Officers attached to Wollongong Police District – with assistance from Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW – attended the scene and commenced a multi-agency search to locate the missing man.”
In a tragic turn, emergency crews located the man’s body after searching nearby water.
The man, who police believe is 32, has not been formally identified. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Anyone with information that would assist officer with their ongoing investigation are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Reports can be made anonymously.
