Read: Maroubra Beach Briefly Closed After Shark Sighting During Australia Day Weekend

The man entered the water around 4pm but failed to return to shore, prompting lifesavers who witnessed him going into the surf to raise the alarm when he did not resurface.

A major multi-agency response swung into action, with multiple helicopter crews scanning the area from above whilst jet skis and water police conducted searches from the water. The entire beach was evacuated following a shark alarm as emergency crews flooded the coastline.

According to NSW Police, the man was with friends at the time of the incident. Officers from the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command coordinated the response alongside Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving NSW, and aerial support from the LifeSaver21 helicopter.

However, worsening weather conditions and fading light forced authorities to make the difficult decision to suspend the search around 6pm on Sunday evening. Deteriorating visibility as a storm system moved through the area meant helicopter crews had to be grounded, with conditions deemed too dangerous to continue operations safely.

The search resumed at 8am on Tuesday morning, with similar resources deployed despite challenging sea conditions continuing to hamper efforts.

The incident marks another tragedy for the local beach community during what has been a particularly dangerous summer period for Sydney’s coastline. Earlier in the New Year period, multiple drownings and rescues occurred across Sydney’s eastern beaches, prompting authorities to issue repeated warnings about dangerous surf conditions.

Read: Malabar Network Overhaul Follows Debris Ball Incidents at Maroubra

Anyone with information about Sunday’s incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Published 1-February-2026

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