NSW Police Intensify Search for Missing 21-Year-Old Taewoo Kim
Image: NSW Police Force
The search urgently continues for 21-year-old Taewoo Kim, a South Korean man who disappeared after getting in the water at Moonee Beach, on Thursday afternoon.
Kim was last seen swimming around 1pm on Thursday at the unpatrolled beach north of Coffs Harbour, known for its dangerous conditions. When he failed to return to his accommodation, police were alerted of his absence on Friday night.
According to ABC News, Coffs Clarence Police District Inspector Ben Atkinson, a colleague of the missing man filed the report, prompting an immediate initial search during which officers found Kim’s belongings.
“Police located a mobile, a passport and a backpack and some clothing belonging to the missing person,” he said.
Police are continuing to search Moonee Beach for 21-year-old Taewoo Kim after he was last seen entering the water on Thursday (26 December 2024).
Police from Coffs/Clarence PD, Marine Area Command, SES, Surf Live Saving and Marine Rescue NSW have commenced a search of the area.… pic.twitter.com/bo3WAzzxky— NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) December 28, 2024
Search intensifies for missing man: Taewoo Kim
By Saturday, Atkinson confirmed the search had escalated with the involvement of the Marine Area Command, the State Emergency Service (SES), Surf Life Saving, and Marine Rescue NSW.
The inspector acknowledged the delayed report of Kim’s disappearance is under investigation but confirmed land and air searches are ongoing.
As reported by ABC, Surf Life Saving NSW North Coast duty officer Les Pepper revealed that Kim, believed to be in the area with friends, often swam alone.
“They come up here to swim at Emerald Beach and he just wanders off and he does it regularly, so they just went home and left him there,” Pepper said.
He added that a rip was identified near the location of Kim’s belongings, complicating search efforts.
Taewoo Kim is described as being of Asian descent, slim build, approximately 175 centimetres tall, with black hair and brown eyes.
Moonee Beach’s treacherous waters and history of tragic incidents
In December 2018, four people drowned at Moonee Beach within a single week.
Kim’s disappearance comes just three weeks after 17-year-old Jacob Partridge went missing at nearby Emerald Beach.
Despite efforts, Partridge is yet to be found.
Holiday season sees two tragic ocean related incidents in addition to NSW record of 20
NSW has recorded 20 coastal drowning deaths since July 1, including two holiday-period drowning deaths already recorded this season.
The tragic incidents this December were the drowning of a man near Kiama on Boxing Day and 15-year-old Luca Bennett, who was swept off rocks at North Avoca Beach on Christmas Eve.
A body believed to be Bennet’s was found on Friday but could not be recovered due to hazardous conditions.
Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to the missing man contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
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