Scarborough Beach: Search still under way for teenager believed missing in surf

Phil Hickey and Justin BianchiniThe West Australian
Camera IconThe search for a teenager believed missing in the surf at Scarborough beach is continuing this morning. Credit: Daryna Zadvirna

The search for a teenager believed missing in the surf at Scarborough beach is continuing this morning.

Local police, water police, volunteer marine rescue, surf lifesaving personnel, police air wing and the RAC Rescue helicopter have all been called in to help search for the 16-year-old boy.

Police and emergency services rushed to the beach just after 8pm last night after reports that four young people were in difficulty in the water at Scarborough Beach.

Camera IconEmergency services and residents search Scarborough Beach for a missing 16yo swept out to sea. Credit: Facebook / Luna Riquelme

Acting Inspector Phil Bonner said the missing boy was one of four youths who went into the water for a swim.

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“Just around dark they’ve decided to go for a swim and they’ve got themselves into a bit of difficulty in the water,” he said.

“They’ve managed to help each other out, with the help of a bystander.

“But one of them didn’t get out of the water.

“There was an immediate police response...and we’ve been down here at the beach ever since.”

Camera IconEmergency services and residents search Scarborough Beach for a missing 16yo swept out to sea. Credit: Facebook / Corey Adamson

Police, who have set up a command post at the Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club, were joined by the RAC rescue helicopter, a number of boats, surf rescue vehicles and dune buggies, and dozens ofvolunteers who combed the shoreline with torches.

Many others watched as the search unfolded.

One witness told The West Australian he heard screams as he walked along the beach and saw people in the water.

“Four people were in the water, everyone was screaming,” he said.

Camera IconEmergency services and residents search Scarborough Beach for a missing 16yo swept out to sea. Credit: Phil Hickey/The West Australian

“Two young people got out and two younger people were still in the water.

“A guy about 60 he jumps in there and saves one of them.”

Insp-Bonner said police appreciated the huge public response to the incident but police were now requesting people avoid the beach.

“We are asking that no one else goes out onto the beach at this stage,” he said.

“There are vehicles on the beach so we don’t want it to get overcrowded.”

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