The family of an 11-year-old boy swept out to sea by a treacherous current on the New South Wales coast say they remain hopeful as the search continues.
Authorities were on Tuesday continuing to search for Laith Alaid after he was swept into the ocean as the tide raced out of a channel at The Entrance on Sunday.
Alaid and his three brothers – aged nine, seven and three – had been visiting The Entrance with their 43-year-old father on a fishing trip from Sydney.
Police believe they attempted to take a shortcut across the channel when Alaid was swept out to sea.
Alaid’s family said they were “deeply moved by the community support” since he went missing.
“Thank you to all the volunteers, emergency services, and members of the Central Coast community, who have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to the search efforts,” the family said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We remain hopeful and we ask the community to stay vigilant for anything that might assist in the search. During this difficult time, we kindly request privacy from the media as we support each other and focus on finding our beloved boy.”
On Sunday evening, beachgoers looked after the three youngest children while their father tried to reach 11-year-old Alaid, but his efforts were unsuccessful.
An extensive rescue effort on land, air and sea was launched on Sunday night. It resumed on Monday involving marine area command, Surf Life Saving and rescue helicopters – alongside local emergency services and police.
The search continued on Tuesday. Police divers found a picnic chair the boy had been carrying but did not find any sign of him.
Signs near The Entrance beach surf club warn people not to cross the channel – but it is used by some as a shortcut between two beaches.
The Central Coast life saving duty officer, Glenn Clarke, said when the tide was running out to sea “the stretch is treacherous” and measures about 10 metres across.
“It’s dangerous to the point where once people are off their feet, you can imagine that outgoing tide is very, very forceful. Very strong,” he said. “An Olympic swimmer couldn’t swim against it, so what hope has a mere human got?”
The boy’s family’s first language is not English. Police liaison officers and extended family members were assisting with translations during the search.
The incident sparked calls for warning signs to be placed near the channel in foreign languages too.
Central Coast council said it was unable to comment on the signage surrounding the channel during the police investigation.