Missing Surfer Found Stranded On Remote Island 14Kms Off Australian Coast

A 19-year-old surfer who failed to return home after heading out for an afternoon surf near Wooli Beach on the New South Wales north coast has been rescued from a remote island 14 kilometres offshore.

Darcy Deefholts was located on North Solitary Island, a rocky, uninhabited nature reserve, on Thursday morning after an extensive land and sea search involving NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW, the Marine Area Command, PolAir, and members of the local community.

According to NSW Police, Deefholts left his home in Wooli around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, reportedly taking a cream Malibu surfboard and heading for One Tree Point. When he did not return, his family contacted authorities, and a large-scale search was launched.

His father, Terry Deefholts, posted a call for help on Facebook late Wednesday night, asking for assistance from local boat owners, drone operators, and anyone able to help with the search. “As far as we can tell, Darcy took a cream Malibu surfboard with him to One Tree at Wooli and went for a surf in very small swell some time around 4pm,” he wrote. “Of course we are fearing the worst. We are overwhelmed by the community efforts in the search so far.”

Darcy was found the next morning on North Solitary Island, located roughly 14km east of Wooli Beach. The island is part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and has no permanent residents or facilities. It’s unclear how Darcy ended up there, but the ocean conditions at the time were described as relatively calm.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Northern NSW Local Health District said Deefholts was taken to Grafton Base Hospital and is in stable condition under observation. “The patient is in good spirits and is being supported by family,” they said.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Terry Deefholts described the outcome as “a one in a million miracle.” He said he had not yet spoken in depth with his son but was “over the moon” that he had been found alive and well. “I haven’t had the chance to talk to him yet,” he said. “I’m still processing everything. I haven’t slept.”

In March 2023, the body of a missing rock fisher was recovered near North West Solitary Island after failing to return from a fishing trip. The stretch of coastline is known for its natural beauty and recreational appeal, but also presents dangers due to remoteness and ocean currents.

Authorities have not yet provided details on how Darcy managed to reach the island or survive the night. NSW Police are expected to follow up as the incident is reviewed.