A body has been found following a desperate search for a missing boy who was swept out to sea on NSW’s Central Coast.
Laith Alaid, 11, had just finished fishing with his father, 43, and three younger brothers – aged nine, seven, and three – when he was swept out into the ocean at The Entrance at about 5.15pm on Sunday.
His father was helping the three younger brothers cross a channel as they returned back to the shore when Laith, who was walking behind him, was pulled away by the tide.
A multi-coordinated search was launched for the boy with rescue helicopters, water police and surf lifesavers banding together.
NSW Police revealed on Wednesday a body had been located at 2.30pm.
‘While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing boy,’ a spokeswoman said.
‘A report will be prepared for the Coroner.’
The family released a photo of Laith on Tuesday and they thanked those who have rallied around them, saying they are ‘deeply moved by the community support’.
Laith Alaid, 11, had just finished fishing with his father, 43, and three younger brothers – aged nine, seven, and three – when he was swept out into the ocean at The Entrance, on NSW’s Central Coast, at about 5.15pm on Sunday
A multi-coordinated search was launched for the boy with rescue helicopters, water police and surf lifesavers banding together
The image, which shows the young boy proudly holding two small fish, was taken just a few hours before he went missing.
Witnesses said Laith’s family remained at the beach the past few days as they hoped for a miracle.
‘They didn’t go home [on Sunday],’ one woman said.
‘I saw them at 1.30am still sitting there with blankets crying. It killed me.’
Another witness said Laith’s father became overwhelmed with emotion as he watched the search operation on Monday.
‘When the helicopter would go low and look like it might have found something, he would go back to his car,’ they said.
It is understood Laith was walking with a camp chair on his back as the family crossed the notorious channel.
Two bystanders helped look after the the man’s younger children while he frantically tried to rescue his son.
The distraught father was later pictured sitting on the sand hugging his youngest son tight while being consoled.
The family, who are understood to not speak English, had been visiting the area from Sydney.
It’s understood the mother didn’t go on the fishing trip but travelled to the Central Coast with family and friends on Monday as the search resumed.
The Entrance Channel is one of the most dangerous locations on the Central Coast due to the strong currents during changing tides.
The treacherous channel, known as the ‘black spot’, connects Tuggerah Lakes to the ocean.
The distraught father was later pictured sitting on the sand hugging his youngest son tight while being consoled
Many people cross the channel at low tide as a way to get back to The Entrance car park or to access North Entrance.
However when the tide changes, the strong currents pulling water out to sea are powerful.
In 2016, two fishermen drowned in the The Entrance Channel after they fell into the water while fishing.
In 2012, 15-year-old boy Keon Sbrugnera also drowned after he was caught in a rip while swimming with friends.
In the same year, a strong current during an incoming tide pulled a Toyota HiLux ute into the middle of The Entrance Channel.
An excavator had to be called in to help remove the ute from the water.
