Police can confirm a body found at a South Coast beach last week, is that of a man who went missing on the South Coast more than a week ago.
Emergency services were called to Mystery Bay Beach, about 12km south of Narooma, following reports a man had fallen into the water about 6.40pm on Sunday 18 January 2026.
Officers attached to South Coast Police District attended and were told a 23-year-old man had tripped and fallen several metres off a cliff into the ocean and had not resurfaced.
Officers attached to South Coast Police District – with assistance from Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW, SES and VRA – commenced a search; however, were unable to locate the man.
The search resumed about 7.30am on Monday 19 January 2026, led by officers attached to South Coast Police District with assistance from Marina Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the LifeSaver helicopter.
The search was suspended overnight and resumed around 8am on Tuesday 20 January 2026, led by Marine Area Command with assistance from Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the LifeSaver helicopter. About 1pm on Tuesday 20 January 2026, the search was scaled back.
About 6:05am on Friday 23 January 2026, police were called to Billies Beach, Corrunna, north of Mystery Bay, near Narooma, following reports a man's body had washed up on a beach.
Officers attached to South Coast Police District attended and established a crime scene.
The body has now been formally identified, and is that of the missing 23-year-old UK National.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
