THE body of a swimmer who went missing at Coffs Harbour has been found near Point Plomer, north of Port Macquarie.
It ends a start to summer on the mid-north coast of NSW after a mass rescue was need at Moonee Moonee Beach, 23km north of Coffs Harbour, on Monday evening.
Six swimmers got into difficulties and two men, aged 35 and 45, could not be saved.
Two girls, aged 13 and 17, and a 15-year-old boy were rescued.- after a valiant effort by local lifesavers in what was described as treacherous surf conditions on the day.
A third person was still missing when the search ended as night fell.
The search continued for days but it was just after noon on Thursday when the body of a 27-year-old man was found by a fishing boat in the ocean near Point Plomer, about two nautical miles north of Port Macquarie.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said earlier in the week that the tragedy highlighted the importance of swimming at patrolled beaches.
"Our thoughts and hearts go out to the family of the victims and to the brave lifeguards that responded and tried valiantly to save everyone," he said.
"An event like this unfolding so close to the festive season only magnifies the grief and devastation."