Missing 18-year-old swimmer searched on freshwater beach

An 18-year-old swimmer was reported missing off Freshwater Beach in northern Sydney, prompting a police search on Saturday evening.

Witnesses say the young man was one of three friends who were swimming at a popular beach near Manly when he failed to make it back to shore.

NSW Police say an inter-agency search involving an ambulance rescue helicopter, a police helicopter and a police boat began at around 8:15 p.m. on Saturday.

Despite an active search, no trace of the missing swimmer was found.

Several bystanders reportedly gathered on the nearby dunes near the beach to watch the ongoing operation.

Witnesses say helicopters were still in the area at press time (10 pm ET).

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Originally published as Police and rescuers search Freshwater Beach for missing 18-year-old swimmer