Dad's frantic plea as son goes missing
Terry Deefholts, a real estate agent from Grafton, put out the frantic call on social media after his son Darcy, 19, did not return after going surfing at One Tree, Wooli, on the state's North Coast on Wednesday afternoon.
'HELP – I NEED BOATS, BEACH WALKERS, DRONES AND 4WDs and PLANES AT FIRST LIGHT,' the post read. On board the Wooli 30 during search efforts in the night. Supplied / Marine Rescue NSW Credit: Supplied
'My boy Darcy is still missing. Marine Rescue searched tonight from Bare Point to Pebbly Beach at sea. They have been stood down for the night but expect they will be back early to resume the search.
'I am asking anyone with a seaworthy vessel to please meet me at the main Wooli boat ramp and take me to sea to help with the search.
'As far as we can tell, Darcy took a cream Malibu surfboard with him to One Tree at Wooli and went for a surf in very small swell some time around 4pm.
'We think he was wearing a dark rashy.'
Mr Deefholts said the family were 'fearing the worst' but urged readers of the post to 'please save comments for those wishing to help with the search'. Search efforts resumed on Thursday morning. Supplied / Marine Rescue NSW Credit: Supplied
'We are overwhelmed by the community efforts in the search so far. There is only one thing we want now – our beloved boy to be found safe,' he posted.
The Facebook post has more than 1100 shares, with members of the community flocking to offer assistance and well wishes.
In a statement, NSW Police said Darcy left his home in Wooli on a bicycle about 2.30pm on Wednesday and headed towards Wooli Beach.
'When he failed to return home, concerned family members contacted officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District,' police said.
'Concerns are held for Darcy's welfare as his disappearance is out of character.
'Darcy is described as being of caucasian appearance, of slim build, about 180cm tall, with black hair.'
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said Marine Rescue NSW vessel Wooli 30 was tasked just before 10pm on Wednesday with the search and rescue mission.
'A volunteer crew was rapidly assembled and Wooli 30 deployed,' Inspector Murray said.
'The crew searched waters from Bare Point in the north to Freshwater Beach in the south.
'Wooli 30 returned to base at 1am after being stood down for the night.'
Inspector Murray said Wooli 30 and Coffs Harbour 30 were back on the water at 8am on Thursday to continue the search.
'The volunteer crews will conduct search patterns under the direction of Marine Area Command,' he said.
Anyone with information on Darcy's whereabouts is urged to contact Coffs Harbour police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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