Concern for an unknown man at Palm Beach has prompted a police appeal after personal possessions were found near Ocean Road and a search of the beach, rock platforms and nearby water found no trace of anyone in distress.
Police were called to Ocean Road about 6pm on Sunday, 17 May 2026, after a kickboard, fins and a T-shirt were found at Palm Beach. Shoes were also later included among the items police asked the public about.
Police were told a distinctive purple board had earlier been seen with a man coming out of the surf. The man was described only as being South American in appearance. Concern was raised when the belongings remained uncollected some time later.
Search Crews Respond At Palm Beach
The report triggered a search and rescue response involving police, water police, surf lifesaving crews, ambulance crews and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.
Search efforts continued after dark, with crews checking the shoreline and nearby rock platforms. The rescue helicopter used searchlights and night vision equipment, while water police searched the area between Black Rock and the rock platform at the southern end of Palm Beach.
Surf lifesaving crews were unable to launch rescue watercraft after dark, but land-based checks continued. The helicopter later stood down before 8:30pm due to low fuel, while land crews stood down before 9pm. Water police continued searching later into the evening with assistance from Marine Rescue NSW.
The search resumed at first light on Monday, 18 May, but was suspended shortly after midday after nothing was found.
Police Appeal For Help Identifying Unknown Man
Police have since located the owner of the kickboard and fins. However, concern remains for the unknown man reportedly seen using the board in the surf earlier that day.
No one matching the man’s description has been reported missing, and police have said there are no swimmers or surfers unaccounted for.
The circumstances remain unclear. Early inquiries included attempts to review nearby CCTV and surf camera footage, but the surf camera vision was not clear enough to confirm the man’s last known position.
Police are asking anyone who can help identify the man, or provide information about the belongings found at Palm Beach, to contact Dee Why Police Station or Crime Stopper on 1800 333 000.
Published 18-May-2026
