A 19-year-old surfer, Darcy Deefholts, was discovered safe on North Solitary island, 32 kilometers from Wooli Beach in Australia, after going missing during an afternoon surf session that prompted a search.
Deefholts, who was later identified as the missing surfer, was located the following day after being swept away and stranded on the remote island. Authorities and his family launched a search after his bike and clothes were found at a beach access point, and he was found safely on the island the next day. Darcy, who was reported by family members to have a Malibu surfboard with him, was in stable condition and recovering after being swept away by currents.
His family, including his father Terry Deefholts, were initially concerned after he failed to return home following his afternoon surf session. The search efforts involved both land and sea, with private vessels and a Marine Rescue team assisting in the operation. Despite the calm sea conditions and minimal wind and swell, the search continued through the night and resumed at first light the next day.
According to reports, Darcy was last seen riding his bike around town and fishing at the Wooli breakwall on Wednesday. Family members became worried when his clothes and bicycle were found at a beach access point in Wooli, prompting them to contact authorities. They believed he had gone too far on his surfboard and was unable to return to shore.