New South Wales (Australien) – Like every year, a father wanted to go fishing on the Australian coast with his four sons. A little family tradition. The most recent trip a few days ago ended in tragedy.
The Alaid family had driven to the popular coastal town of “The Entrance” (100 kilometers north of Sydney) to catch fish. As the father (43) led his children (3, 7, 9, 11) across a canal that connects Lake Tuggerah to the ocean, the group was surprised by the receding tide in Australia.
The flood floated Laith Alaid here into the open sea
Foto: ABC Central Coast/Shauna Foley
Father cannot save all his sons
An eyewitness too 7NEWS: “I heard screaming and looked over. I saw a man plowing through the water,” Sarah Bailey said. “Then I noticed a little boy in the waves holding his arm up – he was struggling a lot.”
While the father is able to save the three younger brothers, Laith Alaid (11) is swept into the open sea. There has been no trace of him since Sunday (November 3rd).
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They had already crossed the channel several times
According to relatives, the family had easily crossed the unguarded canal at least three times that day. The fourth time, disaster struck.
“Many people attempt to cross this canal – but this is discouraged,” Inspector David Piddington told 7NEWS on Monday.
Police, lifeguards, water police and rescue helicopters were involved in the search.
Foto: ABC Central Coast/Shauna Foley
Extensive search set
Three days of search – in vain. Divers recovered only Laith’s belongings: a fishing chair, a towel and a cooler bag. The boy has disappeared. Police and helpers remain on patrol – even if the large-scale search measures have been stopped.
In a statement, the family thanked the numerous helpers for their efforts and holds on to their hope of finding their son. “No matter what it takes, we have to find him so that his father can sleep peacefully,” said a family member.
