Emergency services have searched the waters off Wollongong overnight after an empty boat was found floating at the southern end of Coniston Beach, NSW Police say.
Police from Wollongong Local Area Command were alerted after a witness saw the 3.5m aluminium boat in surf north of the breakwater about 8.20pm (Sunday 21 January 2018).
The boat was found to be empty but for fishing knives, a life-jacket and a pair of thongs. There was no motor attached and it is unpainted/silver in colour.
The NSW Ambulance helicopter conducted sweeps of the coastline for 90 minutes, while a Marine Rescue crew searched until about 11.30pm when the operation was suspended pending further information.
At this time, there have been no reports of anyone missing and no vehicles have been found unattended in car parks nearby.
Crews from Wollongong LAC will continue to patrol the foreshore on foot throughout the night.
Police are appealing for anyone who may know the owner of the boat, or who has information relevant to the investigation.
Anyone with information can call Wollongong Police or Crime Stoppers.
