A school leaver's celebratory trip has ended in tragedy after he was swept out to sea at an unpatrolled beach in New South Wales.
Search Called Off After Deteriorating Conditions
Authorities have suspended the search for Astin Grestl, 18, two days after he disappeared while swimming at Little Bay Beach on the NSW Mid North Coast. The decision was made on Tuesday as offshore conditions worsened, making the recovery operation too hazardous.
The teenager had been caught in a powerful rip current on Sunday while on a Schoolies trip with friends, following the completion of his HSC exams.
School Community in Mourning
Astin was a recent graduate of The King's School in Parramatta, in Sydney's west. The school's acting headmaster, Stephen Edwards, confirmed the devastating news in a public statement.
"I am afraid that I must confirm that the missing boy is a member of this year's graduating class at King's," Mr Edwards said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this profoundly difficult time."
The school has pledged ongoing support to the grieving family while respecting their request for privacy. Edwards urged the community to keep the family in their prayers.
A Stark Warning About Beach Safety
This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of swimming at unpatrolled beaches, especially during periods of strong surf. Rip currents can form suddenly and are a leading cause of coastal drowning incidents in Australia.
Beach safety organisations consistently advise swimmers to only enter the water between the red and yellow flags at lifeguard-patrolled locations.
The community now waits for further updates as the family comes to terms with their immense loss.
