31st December 2025 – (Sydney) Australian authorities on Wednesday launched an extensive sea and air search off northern Sydney after a small vessel capsized near Palm Beach, leaving one man dead and a teenage boy feared missing.

In a statement issued by the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force, officers confirmed that emergency services were alerted at approximately 11:35 a.m. local time to reports of a boat overturning in waters off Palm Beach, a popular coastal area around 30 km northeast of central Sydney.

Surf Life Saving personnel swiftly responded to the incident and retrieved an adult man from the water. Despite immediate treatment by ambulance paramedics at the scene, the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Local authorities have yet to release his identity, with formal identification and notification of family members still under way in accordance with established procedures.

Police said a second man who had been on board the vessel managed to scramble onto nearby rocks after the capsize. He was later winched to safety by a rescue helicopter and taken for further medical assessment. His condition has not been publicly detailed, but his successful rescue highlights the rapid response of Australian emergency services in challenging sea conditions.

At the same time, an urgent multi‑agency search operation was launched to locate a 14‑year‑old boy who is believed to have been a passenger on the capsized boat. Maritime units, Surf Life Saving teams and aviation resources have been deployed to scour the surrounding waters and coastline in an effort to find the teenager as quickly as possible.

The incident once again draws attention to the importance of maritime safety and adherence to local navigation and weather advisories. Australia’s coastal authorities and volunteer rescue organisations maintain a high level of readiness and have consistently played a crucial role in safeguarding lives at sea, but they also underline that conditions can change rapidly, especially around exposed headlands and popular recreation areas such as Palm Beach.

Local police have established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances leading to the capsize, including weather, sea state, vessel condition and whether safety equipment was in use. As is standard practice, a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The tragedy off northern Sydney comes as regional governments and maritime regulators continue to remind the public that boating activities must be conducted with strict attention to safety regulations, including the proper use of lifejackets, communication devices and trip planning. Respecting the power of the ocean, following official guidance and cooperating with rescue authorities are vital to preventing similar incidents and protecting lives at sea.