The multi-agency search for a missing man in seas off the South Coast has been scaled back.
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 yesterday (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 today (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 today the search was scaled back.
NSW Police Marine Area Command will continue proactive patrols in the coming days.
