Tragic End to Search: Body of Missing Man Believed to be Found in Swansea Channel

Swansea, NSW – Authorities have confirmed they found a body, believed to be of a man, who went missing earlier this month after a boating accident in the Swansea Channel.

Luke Smith, 23, vanished on the evening of Saturday, 6 July 2024, when the tinny he was in, collided with a buoy and capsized in the Swansea Channel. Emergency services responded to calls for help at Channel Street around 7:50 pm that night. Although three other men were rescued from the water, Luke could not be found.

There was an exhaustive search effort involving multiple agencies, including the NSW Police Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue, State Emergency Service, and helicopter support, however Luke remained missing for nearly two weeks. His family, friends, and community members held onto hope, continuing their search efforts.

At around 12:20 pm today, a body was found in the channel, which authorities believe to be Luke Smith. Formal identification is pending, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner to determine the circumstances of his death.

Family and Community Unite in Hope and Support

Throughout the ordeal Luke’s family clung to hope, and expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of community support. In a statement released via NSW Police, the Smith family thanked volunteers, emergency services, and members of the Lake Macquarie community who dedicated their time and resources to the search.

“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we have received since Luke went missing,” the family stated. “Your compassion and willingness to help have provided us with strength and hope.”

The family also mentioned the importance of water safety, urging boaters to wear life jackets and follow safety guidelines, especially in the potentially dangerous waters of the Swansea Channel.

A Community Comes Together

The Smith family has received considerable support from the local community. Many residents actively joined the search efforts and dozens of Luke’s loved ones camped near the emergency services’ base at Pelican for a week, hoping for answers. A public call-out on social media for extra help resulted in a significant response. Locals offering their boats, jet skis, and drones to assist in the search.

Ms. Saretta Fielding, Luke’s aunt, expressed her appreciation: “The local community has been so giving and such a blessing. We will be out across the lake and surrounds, with you all, in the coming days continuing the search.”

At times, over 60 people, many visibly emotional, gathered at the Pelican foreshore near the Marine Rescue NSW Lake Macquarie base throughout the operation.

Vigil and Fundraiser Planned

To honor Luke and support the search efforts, the Smith family has organised a lakeside lantern vigil for Saturday (check if still on?) at Marks Point.

Blacksmiths Home Timber and Hardware, where a Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie donation tin was recently stolen, will host a fundraiser barbecue on Saturday, 20 July. Store owner Vanessa Marshall highlighted the importance of supporting Marine Rescue, particularly given their critical role in searching for Luke.

Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie’s commander Jim Wright said “We rely heavily on donations from the public and grants” “Our fuel costs last year were around $53,000.”

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7 News video from 10 days ago

Newy 87.8’s Original Report, Breaking the news to Newcastle

Helicopter searching the day after the accident

Earli

Today Show Report the day after the accident