The search for a man who disappeared while swimming off Victoria‘s Mornington Peninsula yesterday has resumed this morning, with search crews battling tough conditions to find the 20-year-old.
Police believe the Cranbourne man was swimming with friends at Rye beach when they were all caught in a rip, just after 7pm yesterday.
A man and a woman, both in their 20s, managed to make it to shore however the 20-year-old man remains missing.
Air Wing, SES, Lifesaving Victoria and Ambulance Victoria searched the water and surrounding area last night at what locals have labelled a notoriously dangerous beach.
The beach will remain closed for most of today, with a command post set up and specialist teams from police search and rescue to join the effort.
The search has been made difficult for crews due to strong winds and rough waters, but it’s expected the tide will drop over the coming hours.
Life Saving Victoria’s general manager of lifesaving services Liam Krige urged Victorians to take care while swimming in open waters.
“We are really urging all Victorians to heed the safety advice, to be aware of their own abilities when heading out to the coastlines and inland waterways and to really look at the safety signage,” Krige said.
“Make sure they are aware of the conditions before heading out and prioritise their safety.”
