The search for a man seen struggling in the surf of Main Beach on 1 March has been called off.
Two people saw a man struggling in the surf about 30m offshore of Main Beach about 5.30pm on Wednesday 1 March 2023. They reported the incident to the police and a search and rescue was launched.
A 22-year-old man attempted to assist the swimmer but was overwhelmed by the prevailing conditions.
Personal items were located on the beach.
‘An extensive marine and land search resumed at 7am on Saturday 4 March 2023, again involving resources from Tweed/Byron Police District, Marine Area Command, NSW Police Divers, Surf Life Saving, Fire and Rescue NSW, Brunswick Heads Marine Rescue, and Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) members,’ said a NSW Police spokesperson.
‘At 12.30pm that day, the search was suspended with no sign of the missing swimmer, since he was last seen in difficulties at 5.30pm on Wednesday 1 March 2023.
‘The coordinated search has been halted; however, officers attached to Tweed/Byron PD will continue to patrol the coastline as part of daily taskings. Surf Life Saving will conduct sweeps of the water.
‘Police have prepared a report for the Coroner and are keeping the missing man’s family informed of the situation.
‘The man is believed to be a Byron Bay resident aged in his 30s.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
