Police divers have recovered the body of a snorkeller missing off the Hunter coastline after going diving for lobsters on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Scott McGuire, 29, had not been seen since entering the water off Birubi Beach at Anna Bay.
Despite a large scale search by authorities, it was a fellow snorkeller who discovered Mr McGuire’s body at the popular diving spot late on Wednesday afternoon.
It appeared Mr McGuire drowned after getting an arm stuck between rocks while trying to retrieve some lobsters.
Police divers returned to the scene on Wednesday night and retrieved the body as relatives watched from shore.
Read more: EARLIER REPORT
Search continues for Scott McGuire – NOVEMBER 21 2017 - 5:00PM
Police divers have been called in to help search for a Port Stephens snorkeller missing for two days as fears rise the 29-year-old may have drowned.
Scott McGuire was searching for lobsters off Birubi Point at Anna Bay on Sunday afternoon when he failed to return home.
By 4pm, concerned family reported Mr McGuire missing to police.
A search of waters between Birubi Point and Boat Harbour on Monday failed to find any trace of Mr McGuire.
The search resumed on Tuesday with police divers arriving about 11.30am to assist in the operation.
“The dad’s been out all night looking for him and then rang us the following morning,” Inspector Jaimie McClelland from Port Stephens LAC said.
“We’ve basically been out here since [Monday] morning.
“Given the length of time, if he’s still out there, it’s very unlikely that we will find him alive.”
Police divers were brought up from Sydney and would be searching for at least a couple of days, according to Insp McClelland.
A police helicopter, local command resources and Surf Lifesaving Australia rounded out the operation which was still being classed as a search and rescue mission.
“Until we find something more definite, it’s still a search and rescue operation,” Insp McClelland said.
On Tuesday, police appealed to the public, in particular, any fishermen who were at Birubi Point on Sunday afternoon to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Speculation Mr McGuire had been taken by a shark was quashed by police.
“At this stage there’s no indication that a shark was involved at all,” Insp McClelland said.
Mr McGuire is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm-185cm tall, of a slim build, and with shaved brown hair.
He was last seen wearing red board shorts, black flippers, black goggles with clear snorkel and carrying a small mesh bag.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information.
