A desperate search for a missing teenager who disappeared while surfing has come to a miraculous end after he was found alive on an island 13km from the mainland.
Darcy Deefholts, 19, did not return home after spending the afternoon at One Tree in Wooli, on NSW‘s North Coast, on Wednesday.
He is understood to have been fishing at the Wooli breakwall before riding his bike up five kilometres north to surf when he vanished.
His father Terry Deefholts issued a desperate call for help with rescue volunteers and emergency services immediately launching a frantic search effort.
His bike, clothes and shoes were found on the sand with fears raised Darcy could have met a grim end.
Authorities announced on Thursday Darcy had been discovered on North Solitary Island – 13km away from the mainland.
Mr Deefholts was overcome with emotion as he described the rescue a ‘one-in-a-million miracle’.
‘I haven’t had the chance to talk to him yet, I’m just so over the moon,’ he told the Daily Telegraph.
Darcy Deefholts (pictured), 19, did not return home after spending the afternoon at One Tree in Wooli, on NSW ‘s North Coast, on Wednesday
Rescuers located Darcy at a small island off the coast of northern NSW about 13km from where he went surfing
‘I’m still just processing everything. We’ve had no sleep and it has been a lot to deal with.’
Darcy is now receiving medical attention.
Mr Deefholts had previously pleaded for locals to help him find his son when learning of his disappearance.
‘I need boats, beach walkers, drones and 4WDs and planes at first light,’ he wrote on social media.
‘I’m asking anyone with a seaworthy vessel to please meet me at the main Wooli boat ramp and take me to sea to help with the search.
‘Of course we are fearing the worst. We are overwhelmed by the community efforts in the search so far.
‘There is only one thing we want now – our beloved boy to be found safe.’
Mr Deefholt’s partner Melissa Smith said she assumed her son had gone too far past the break on his longboard and been swept to sea.
Police and marine rescue crews conducted searches as members of the public offered their assistance
Marine rescue crews (above) worked into the night looking for Darcy on Wednesday
‘He’s a survivor, a strong boy, he would have known that was a safe place,’ she said of North Solitary Island, according to the ABC.
Locals were overjoyed to hear Darcy had been found.
‘We are so overwhelmed here with tears of joy,’ one family friend wrote online.
‘Thank God he made it to Solitary Island,’ another added.
‘Darcy, you’re well loved and we are all so glad you were located safe and well.’
‘So relieved for everyone,’ a third added.
NSW Police released a statement during the search operation, revealing Darcy had left home on his bike on Wednesday afternoon.
‘When he failed to return home, concerned family members contacted officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District,’ the statement read.
‘Concerns are held for Darcy’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.’
His phone and smartwatch had been left at home.
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