Additional Coverage:
Wooli, NSW — A teen surfer’s disappearance sparked a frantic search and ended with a miraculous rescue after he was found stranded on a remote island miles offshore.
Nineteen-year-old Darcy Deefholts vanished Wednesday afternoon after heading out to surf at Wooli Beach. When he didn’t return home, his worried family contacted authorities. His father, Terry Deefholts, issued a desperate plea on social media, asking anyone with a boat, drone, or plane to join the search.
Local authorities, including Marine Rescue, launched a comprehensive land and sea search. Nearly a day later, on Thursday morning, Deefholts was found safe and sound on North Solitary Island, approximately eight miles from Wooli.
NSW Marine Rescue celebrated the incredible outcome on Facebook, expressing the sheer joy of the search crews upon hearing the good news.
Terry Deefholts admitted he was nearing his breaking point before his son was located, telling ABC Australia, “I didn’t give up hope, but jeez I was close. It’s a one in a million. Who survives this?”
Deefholts was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. A spokesperson for the Northern NSW Local Health District reported he was in good spirits and surrounded by family.