Police say they hold grave fears for a young man missing in the Mary River south of Gympie since midnight.
Key points:
- The 20-year-old was trying to swim across the river when he disappeared
- Friends searched before calling for help just after midnight
- Police are concerned for his safety but are hoping for a positive outcome
Police divers have joined the search for the 20-year-old, who was trying to swim across waist deep water in the river at Traveston Crossing Road, just after midnight, when he went underwater and did not resurface.
Acting Sergeant Bill Greer, from Imbil police station, said the man was camping with two friends on council land when he took a dip just after welcoming in the new year.
"The friends were on site … they saw him within seconds disappear," he said.
"They searched themselves briefly and then quickly called for help."
Police said other campers were using torches to light the water where they were wading, but turned around momentarily before noticing he was gone.
"We do have concerns for his safety but we are hoping for a positive outcome and that's why we have all the assets out today," Acting Sergeant Greer said.
He said although the river was not deep, the water was moving quickly.
"They are not great conditions — there has been some fresh [water] in the river," he said.
SES, swift water rescue crews and a helicopter were called in to help with the search just after midnight, but it was hampered by the darkness and resumed at first light.
He is described as Caucasian with olive skin, of a medium build, with dark hair and was last seen wearing dark coloured shorts and a short-sleeved shirt.
Investigators are particularly urging any local property owners to keep an eye out.
One camper, Callum Rock, said he heard police and other people walking around looking for the man.
"Didn't really hear too much [initially], but apparently he floated down on the river," he said.
"We were camping right on the river but didn't hear anything [when he went in], but heard heaps of people walking around yelling and looking for him though."
The man's family arrived on scene a short time ago.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiS2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTAxLTAxL21pc3NpbmctbWFuLWluLXJpdmVyLWd5bXBpZS8xMzAyNjAzMNIBJ2h0dHBzOi8vYW1wLmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvYXJ0aWNsZS8xMzAyNjAzMA?oc=5
2021-01-01 00:47:00Z
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