The family of a 20-year-old Swedish student who fell of a cliff and was washed out to sea are making their way to Australia after police called off the search for him.
Noa Sage was exploring rocks at Bluefish Point on Sydney’s dangerous North Head with friends on January 18 when he plunged 7m from the cliff face, hit his head and was swept into the ocean.
Police say they received reports a man had fallen from the jagged rocks and suffered head injuries, before a large swell pulled him into the water.
A joint search between police, NSW Surf Life Saving and NSW Ambulance helicopters began but was called off after nine days on January 27.
NSW Police said the efforts to find Mr Sage became a recovery operation.
A spokesman said the student’s family are expected to arrive in Sydney within the coming week.
Northern Beaches Police Commander Pat Sharkey said at the time of the incident that Mr Sage’s parents had been contacted by the Swedish consulate and Australia Police.
“He was climbing on a rock face,” he said at the time.
“We are led to believe it’s an unofficial trail that they were climbing on and he has fallen by some form of misadventure and then been washed into the ocean.”
The 20-year-old moved from Sweden to Manly in September after obtaining an international student visa.
Mr Sage had been working as a bartender while studying.
Located roughly 18km from Sydney’s CBD, Blue Fish Point is a popular landmark among rock fishers and hikers. While there are signs that advise people against climbing the rock face, it can be accessible by ropes and chains.
Officially, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service have closed the area since October 17, 2020, citing fire damage and geological instability.
Story Credit: news.com.au