The body of a man recovered from a lake is believed to be that of a 23-year-old fisherman who was thrown from a boat nearly two weeks ago.
A massive multi-agency search to find Luke Smith came to a sad end on Thursday after police received reports of a body in Swansea Channel in the Hunter region of New South Wales.
Mr Smith went missing after he and three friends were thrown from a small boat on Lake Macquarie shortly before 8pm on July 6.
They are known to have been fishing when their boat struck a buoy.
Three of the men, aged in their 20s, managed to swim to shore, but Mr Smith did not resurface.
NSW Police have yet to formally identify the remains discovered on Thursday but believe they belong to Mr Smith.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Grieving family and friends have periodically gathered, sometimes in crowds of up to 70 people, on the shore as searchers looked for Mr Smith.
Police believe remains discovered in Swansea Canal on Thursday belong to missing fisherman Luke Smith (pictured)
Mr Smith went missing after he and three friends were thrown from a small boat on Lake Macquarie shortly before 8pm on July 6.
Luke is known to have attempted to help one of his companions reach shore before disappearing.
This comes a week after Mr Smith’s heartbroken family revealed they had not given up hope and issued a safety warning to anyone carrying out their own searches.
“It is essential to wear life jackets and adhere to water safety guidelines,” they said in a statement released by New South Wales Police.
‘Particularly in the Swansea Channel and its surrounding waters, which can be dangerous, we implore boaters to take care.
“We have not given up hope and we will not give up, and we ask those in the water or near the shore to be on the lookout for anything that might assist in the search.”
Luke’s father, David Smith, also shared a heartbreaking post on social media.
“Luke, my son, my boy,” she wrote.
‘There were still so many things I wanted to share in life with you. Dad will diligently care for and preserve the huge space in his heart for you to fill! When he sees you again.’
The family also thanked volunteers and emergency services for their search efforts so far.
“We extend our sincere thanks to all the volunteers, emergency services, boaters and members of the Lake Macquarie community who have dedicated their time and resources to the search efforts,” their statement continued.
“Their compassion and willingness to help have given us strength and hope.”
Mr Smith’s heartbroken family said last week they had not given up hope and issued a safety warning to anyone carrying out their own searches.
Mr. Smith’s high school friend, Chloe Kearns, has started a GoFundMe Page for your family.
“Luke’s family, friends and the community at large have been searching day and night to find him and bring him home,” Kearns wrote.
‘However, as we all know, the bills are still piling up and in these uncertain times, Luke’s family shouldn’t have to worry about this.
“Thank you to everyone who is able to donate. If you are unable to do so, please share and continue to keep Luke and his family in your thoughts. Let’s bring Luke home.”
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