BY ISABEL EVERETT
Police are appealing for information following reports of a surfer, potentially going missing off Newcastle beach. About 6.20pm on Wednesday, emergency services responded to reports a surfer appeared to be struggling in the water at Newcastle Beach, Newcastle.
The female witness told police; she saw what she believed was a surfer in some difficulties in choppy surf conditions about 100 metres offshore.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District conducted a search of the beach and water, with the assistance of a rescue helicopter, Police Rescue and NSW Ambulance.
Acting Inspector David Piddington from Newcastle City Police District is appealing to anyone who may have seen something to come forward.
“At this stage, we have not taken any reports of any missing persons in the area, though we would like to speak with any surfers who were in the water at Newcastle Beach at the time and may have seen a fellow surfer in trouble,” Acting Inspector Piddington said.
The search was suspended overnight and was set to resume at first light on Thursday.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately or Crime Stoppers.
