The owner of a boat found floating unoccupied off Coniston beach on Sunday night, sparking an air and water search, has come forward.
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The 3.5-metre tinny was spotted in the surf at the southern end of the beach, near the breakwater, about 8.20pm.
Fishing knives, a lifejacket and pair of thongs were found, but no one was with the boat.
The discovery sparked an air and water search of the area between Wollongong's Flagstaff Hill and the entrance to Port Kembla harbour.
The NSW Ambulance rescue helicopter conducted sweeps of the coast for 90 minutes, while a Marine Rescue crew from Port Kembla searched on the water.
Read more: How the search unfolded on Sunday night
The search operation was suspended at 11.20pm.
At the time, no one had been reported missing and no unattended vehicles were found nearby.
Police were contacted by the owner on Monday morning, who informed them the boat had been stolen from Warilla over the weekend.
No further reports of anyone missing have been received by police and the search has been called off.
Anyone with information should call Wollongong police station on 4226 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The boat remained washed ashore at the southern end of Coniston beach on Monday morning, filled with sand.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
