NZ tourist missing off Queensland coast

Grave fears are held for the life of a 19-year-old New Zealand tourist missing off Queensland's Gold Coast.

The teenager told his family he was going for a swim at seven o'clock yesterday morning, the ABC reported.

When he failed to return three hours later, his parents searched Northcliffe Beach and found his wallet and clothes.

Yesterday's air and sea search was hampered by poor visibility. Senior Constable Bruce Kolkka said.

Conditions were not treacherous but there was a strong northerly current at the beach.

- NZPA