The family of a missing boater who fell overboard say they have “not lost hope and will not give up” on finding him, despite police calling off a three-day search.
Luke Smith, 23, was thrown overboard along with three companions when their small boat hit a buoy and capsized in the Swansea Channel. south of Newcastle in New South Wales shortly before 8pm on Saturday.
Three other men on board the boat, two aged 23 and one aged 20, managed to swim to land, where they were rescued by passers-by.
After three days of exhaustive searches by multiple agencies on land, air and sea yielded no results, New South Wales Police made the heartbreaking decision to call off the search on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Smith’s heartbroken family said 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.
Luke Smith, 23 (pictured), was thrown overboard along with three companions when their small boat hit a buoy and capsized in the Swansea Channel on Saturday night.
After three days of extensive searches by land, air and sea by multiple agencies yielded no results, NSW Police made the heartbreaking decision to call off the search at 4pm on Tuesday.
“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 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.”
So far, it has raised more than $9,000.
A spokesman for New South Wales Police confirmed the search was called off at 4pm on Tuesday.
“However, Marine Area Command and Marine Rescue will continue to conduct patrols on the water throughout the week, while officers from Lake Macquarie Police District will review the search on land tomorrow morning,” they added.