Mr Carrigan, 19, was reported missing after he dropped a friend off at an Albion Park address on July 24 and failed to return home.

Emergency services were called to Kiama Harbour about 2pm on Wednesday following reports of a car in the water.

A man’s body was retrieved from the car.

Police have not formally identified the body but in a statement said it was "believed to be that of a 19-year-old man who was reported missing earlier this month".

A publicly accessible Facebook site, ‘‘Help us find Scott Carrigan’’, was created following Mr Carrigan's disappearance, and attracted more than 12,000 "likes".

A statement, attributed to ‘‘Scott’s loving family’’, was released on the Facebook page shortly following Wednesday’s discovery, saying that Mr Carrigan had been found and that his family was grieving for his loss.

‘‘Scott's family would like everyone to know how much your love, support and fantastic efforts to bring him home has meant to us all,’’ the statement read.

‘‘We would now ask that, as a sign of your love and respect for Scott that you spend some time with each other and remember what a beautiful person Scott was.

‘‘The fact that Scotty has so many wonderful friends that were willing to spend so much time and effort for Scott has been such a wonderful comfort.’’

A Cruise for Scotty charity event has been organised by the creator of the Facebook page, with a gold coin donation being requested.

The event is scheduled for Saturday August 2, beginning at Danics Auto and Tyre Service Centre, Albion Park, at 6.30pm and heading to Kiama harbour at 7pm.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

For help or information call Lifeline, 131 114.