Missing Teen Surfer Found Safe on Remote Island Off NSW Coast
A 19-year-old surfer has been discovered unharmed on a secluded island off the northern New South Wales coast after his family issued an urgent call for assistance in locating him.
Darcy Deefholts’ relatives had been deeply concerned for his safety, with his father, Terry, expressing fears about the worst possible outcome in a social media plea for search volunteers on Wednesday night.
According to NSW Police, the young surfer had left his home in Wooli by bicycle around 2:30 p.m. the previous day, heading toward Wooli Beach. When he did not return, his family reported him missing.
Authorities conducted extensive land and water searches involving local police, aerial units, marine patrols, and rescue teams. The search concluded when the missing teenager was found unharmed on a small island near Wooli.
Police later confirmed he had been located at the North Solitary Island Nature Reserve, approximately 14 kilometers from the coast.
In his appeal for assistance, Terry had urged those with seaworthy vessels to gather at the Wooli boat ramp to aid in the search. “I NEED BOATS, BEACH WALKERS, DRONES, AND 4WDs,” he wrote.
“From what we know, Darcy took a cream-colored Malibu surfboard to One Tree at Wooli and went surfing in light conditions around 4 p.m. We believe he was wearing a dark rash guard,” his post continued.
While relieved by the outcome, Terry acknowledged the emotional toll of the ordeal, telling local media he had barely slept and was still processing the events. “I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I’m just so relieved,” he said, describing the discovery as nothing short of miraculous.
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