Police say the search for a five-year-old boy swept into the ocean on the Central Coast yesterday has turned into a recovery operation.
Divers have arrived at Pearl Beach, while several boats are still scouring the area where the boy was dragged into the water by a wave.
A full scale search was initiated yesterday afternoon, however it was called off at about 6pm last night.
Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings has told the media the search has turned into a recovery operation.
“We always hold out some hope but my experience tells me that we have been going for some time and unfortunately I think we are in the recovery stage,” the Marine Area Commander told reporters.
“And that is quite tragic and our hearts and thoughts do go out to the family this morning.”
Boats, jetskis and a helicopter are still in the area.
The boy from the Central Coast was on a family holiday, playing with his siblings when he was swept into the water at the northern end of Pearl Beach.
Locals say it is an unpatrolled and dangerous section of beach.
