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Emergency responders rushed to Norah Head around 8:15 PM last night following a distress call. Reports indicated that a group of four friends had been standing on a sandbar near Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club when it unexpectedly gave way.
While a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man managed to swim back to safety, two more 18-year-old men were pulled into the ocean by the current.
Fortunately, two surfers stepped in to save one of the individuals, successfully bringing him back to shore. However, the other young man was carried further out to sea by the strong waves.
A coordinated search operation was promptly initiated, involving marine rescue units and the Westpac Rescue helicopter. Despite their efforts, the search was called off at 11:30 PM.
A search involving marine rescue police and the Westpac Rescue helicopter was launched but suspended at 11.30pm.
Foot patrols along the foreshore continued throughout the night.
The search resumed at 7am today and police divers found a body at about 10.45am.
While it is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing man.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.