TWO men have drowned in the surf and another remains missing at Moonee beach 10km north of Coffs Harbour.
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Surf Life Saving NSW State Operations Centre was notified by NSW Police at 6.20pm on Monday that a group of six swimmers, including three teenagers, were in distress 300 metres from shore at the southern end of Moonee Beach.
Off-duty Coffs Harbour Lifeguards responded promptly along with the Surf Life Saving North Coast Duty Officer and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.
Lifeguards conducted the mass rescue with rescue boards. Two girls, aged 15 and 17, and a 15-year-old boy were treated by paramedics and taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital in a serious condition., while two men, aged 35 and 45, could not be resuscitated.
A third man, aged 28, remains missing.
All six are believed to be known to each other and to be from Sydney.
An air and water search operation was launched for the missing man; however, he has not been located. The search has now been suspended due to light and surf conditions.
It will resume tomorrow.
"Our thoughts and hearts go out to the family of the victims and to the brave lifeguards that responded and tried valiantly to save everyone," said SLSNSW CEO Steven Pearce.
"This terrible tragedy highlights the importance of swimming at patrolled locations and understanding how to identify rips and the dangers they present. An event like this unfolding so close to the festive season only magnifies the grief and devastation."
