A 19-year-old surfer, who vanished off the NSW North Coast, has been located alive on a remote island, concluding an intense search that united emergency crews and the local community.
Darcy Deefholts went missing after going out to surf at One Tree, near Wooli, on Wednesday afternoon.
When he failed to return home, his family grew anxious and sought assistance, with his father Terry Deefholts posting an urgent plea on Facebook: “HELP – I NEED BOATS, BEACH WALKERS, DRONES AND 4WDs and PLANES AT FIRST LIGHT.”
The post quickly went viral, garnering over 1,100 shares and a flood of support from the community.
Darcy’s bike and clothing were discovered at a beach access point, but his phone and smart watch were left at home. Marine Rescue NSW, police, and volunteers scoured the coastline and ocean throughout the night, searching from Bare Point to Freshwater Beach.
Terry, who hails from Grafton, expressed at the time, “My boy Darcy is still missing. Marine Rescue searched tonight from Bare Point to Pebbly Beach at sea. They have paused for the night but are expected to return early to continue the search. I am pleading for anyone with a seaworthy vessel to meet me at the main Wooli boat ramp and take me to sea to aid in the search.”
Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray spearheaded the rescue operation.
“A volunteer crew was swiftly assembled and Wooli 30 was deployed,” Inspector Murray reported, according to news.com.au.
“The crew searched waters from Bare Point in the north to Freshwater Beach in the south.”
On Thursday morning, the search took a fortunate turn. Darcy was discovered alive on North Solitary Island, approximately 13 kilometres offshore. His uncle was among those who reached the island and found him around 9am.
Family member Melissa Smith explained, “He’d evidently gone out too far on his longboard and couldn’t return. He’s a survivor, a strong boy, and likely recognized that was a safe place,” per ABC.
Terry described the moment to The Daily Telegraph as a “one-in-a-million miracle”.
“I haven’t had the chance to talk to him yet, I’m just ecstatic. I’m still just processing everything. We’ve had no sleep and it’s been a lot to handle. It’s somewhat surreal. I was at the point of fearing the absolute worst. I didn’t lose hope, but I was close. It’s a one in a million. Who survives this? Just quietly, I’ll kill him,” he remarked.
He also expressed gratitude to everyone who assisted: “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.”
Darcy is now receiving medical attention. The family and community are still coming to grips with the ordeal, but relief is evident after such a tense night and morning.
