WA police scale back search for snorkeller missing since New Year's Day
The 32-year-old man, who was part of a group of four divers snorkelling for crayfish, was reported missing off Ledge Point Beach.
2 hours agoFri 2 Jan 2026 at 9:12am
The Marine Rescue Lancelin boat, operated by volunteers, is searching for the missing man. (ABC News: Lily Kristanto)
In short:
Police and marine rescue teams have scaled back their search for a snorkeller missing off Western Australia's coast since Thursday afternoon.
The 32-year-old man was part of a group of four divers who were snorkelling for crayfish.
What's next?
Police and volunteer marine rescue groups will continue the search, but air and sea resources have been wound back.
Police and marine rescue teams have scaled back their search for a snorkeller who has been missing off Western Australia's coast since Thursday afternoon.
The 32-year-old man was snorkelling in the ocean off Ledge Point Beach, about 100 kilometres north of Perth, according to police.
The man was part of a group of four divers who were snorkelling for crayfish.
WA Police said significant air and sea search resources were committed to the operation but could not locate the missing man.
"Lancelin Police and local Volunteer Marine Rescue will continue with search efforts until last light, and inquiries will remain ongoing," police said in a statement.
The missing man's friends raised the alarm around 3pm on Thursday after he became separated from the group, who were from Perth, and authorities immediately launched a search.
Police want to hear from anyone with information about the man's whereabouts. (ABC News: Lily Kristanto)
Volunteer marine rescue groups, local fishermen, water police and police divers were among those who joined in the search, along with several aircraft.
Police have urged anyone with information relating to the whereabouts of the missing man to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.