The search for the missing man resumed at first light today. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO

SES officers scour rocks near the lighthouse.Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO

Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO

A large-scale search has been launched off City Beach in Wollongong for a man who went missing during a night-time swim.The 19-year-old, from Fairfield, was on the beach with six friends about 8.30pm last night when they ventured into the water.

Slideshow: Police launch large-scale search for missing swimmerThey were immediately caught in a rip and, while five of the group returned to the shore, the 19-year-old was heard calling for help from the water.
View Larger Map"While it was windy and choppy the swell wasn't excessive," Chief Inspector Graeme Donnelly, from Wollongong Police, said."They have all gone in and they all felt like they were caught in a rip and taken down the beach. It was about that time they heard the missing person cry out for help."A police helicopter and lifeguards on jet skis scoured the water, while about 20 police and State Emergency Service officers searched the shoreline throughout the day.Police divers were also called in from Sydney.Insp Donnelly said search conditions on the beach were "reasonably good"."While it's overcast the water is very clear. Pol Air have said that they have got reasonable visibility. We have a small swell and it's breaking on shore," he said.Insp Donnelly said the man's family had been informed of the situation, and were being assisted by Salvation Army staff.The search resumed at first light this morning, after an initial search failed to locate the man last night.Police continued to conduct sweeps along the cliffs throughout the night.Were you there? Send us an SMS on 0409 011 060 or email us. For full coverage see Tuesday's Mercury.

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Man missing off City Beach in Wollongong

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