Fears grow for teen Kiwi swimmer

Richard Doyle went missing in Queensland surf on Monday and has not been seen since. File photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Fears are growing for a Kiwi teenager missing in rough Queensland surf since Monday morning.

Yesterday a large-scale search was under way for Richard Doyle, 19, who told his parents he was going for a swim at Northcliffe Beach, south of Surfers Paradise, about 7am.

The Doyles found their son's clothes and wallet lying on the sand hours later and he has not been seen since.

Police have been told he is not a strong swimmer.

"He doesn't have any friends in the area so everything points to him being in the water," said Senior Constable Bruce Kolkker, of the Gold Coast Water Police.

Police said the teen suffered from a pre-existing medical condition. Australian media said he had epilepsy, but police could not confirm this last night.

The teenager's family had helped with inquiries and were trying to stay positive. But as time went on, fears mounted, Mr Kolkker said.

When the Herald phoned, an upset Matt Doyle, a brother, said he "didn't feel like talking at the moment".

From first light yesterday police and lifesavers scoured the shoreline in boats, jet skis, all-terrain vehicles and helicopters. Mr Kolkker said conditions were fairly poor and water clarity "not good all". "There is a lot of chop on top of the water and the southerly has created a lot of turbulence and a strong sweep to the north is making it very difficult to see something on the bottom."

That northerly sweep meant the search effort was focused on the northern end of the beach, he said. "If someone is in the water, whether swimming or on the bottom, they would certainly be slowly drifting that way."

Senior Sergeant Mark Kelly, officer in charge of the Gold Coast Water Police, said a couple of sightings had been reported to police throughout the day, but they had come to nothing.

"We're still hopeful of finding the 19-year-old. Obviously the longer the search continues, the more the chances are that the person has passed away."

Mr Kelly said police had reviewed all possibilities of Mr Doyle's whereabouts - including that the teenager had gone to a friend's house - but said the information suggested Mr Doyle was still in the water.

Mr Kelly said sharks were also a concern but "they're always out there".

Mr Kolkker yesterday urged residents and holidaymakers in high-rise apartments along the beach to help look for Mr Doyle. "They've got great visibility along the shoreline."

Mr Kolkker said Mr Doyle was a weak swimmer with limited experience in swell and surf conditions.

He said it was crucial people only swam in conditions that suited their abilities and didn't try to go too far out. "You must remain at waist depth because we know how strong the waves are."

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