Third Body Located Near Port Macquarie

The body of a third man swept out to sea north of Coffs Harbour earlier this week has been located near Port Macquarie following an extensive search operation.

Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District and Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue volunteers, and crews with the Westpac and Polair helicopters commenced a search about 6pm on Monday (17 December 2018).

Two men, aged 35 and 45, died after a group of six people got into difficulties in the surf at Moonee Beach, 23km north of Coffs Harbour.

Two girls, aged 13 and 17, and a 15-year-old boy were rescued; however, a third man could not be found.

Following several days of searching, just after 12pm yesterday (Thursday 20 December 2018), the body of a 27-year-old man was located by a fishing boat in the ocean near Point Plumber, about two nautical miles (1.8 kilometers) north of Port Macquarie.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.