Rough seas are hampering the search for a University of Wollongong international student who went missing off City Beach early this morning.
The Saudi Arabian national was on a night out with friends to celebrate his 25th birthday when he and two others went for a swim at 2am.
Inspector Mark Lavers from Wollongong Police said the friends entered the surf just south of the City Beach Function Centre and were caught in a rip.
Liberian refugee missing off City Beach Two managed to return to shore, however the 25-year-old was dragged south by the current.
A search was launched this morning, however rough seas have prevented police divers and water police from conducting a comprehensive ocean search.
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The missing 25-year-old has been in Australia for six months and lives at the University of Wollongong's International House.
His disappearance follows the death last month of 19-year-old Liberian refugee Patrick Koffa, who went missing off the same beach in similar circumstances.
Mr Koffa went for an impromptu night swim with friends about 200m from the rocks lining Flagstaff Hill about 8.45pm on March 8, and never returned to shore.
His friends said a strong rip had pulled them out to sea, and they later heard Mr Koffa screaming from the water.
For further coverage see Friday's Mercury.
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