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Grave fears for teen missing off NSW beach

A 17-year-old boy is missing after getting caught in a rip at an unpatrolled NSW North Coast beach.

Surf Life Saving NSW says the teenager was swimming with two friends at the isolated Pebbly Beach, north of Coffs Harbour, when they got into trouble before 4pm on Saturday.

Two of the group returned to shore but there was no sign of their missing friend in the water.

A search for the boy has been suspended due to fading light.

“It is understood that he was not a strong swimmer,” Surf Life Saving said in a statement.

NSW Water police led the search and an Ambulance helicopter provided support, as members of the public also took part on jet skis.

The search, which was called off about 5:30pm, was made difficult by up-to four-foot swells and poor water visibility.

A Surf Life Saving spokesman told AAP the conditions will be re-evaluated at first light.

The incident comes a day after a man in his 20s drowned in a rip at Palm Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches.

He was pulled unconscious from the water by a rescue boat and was given CPR, but could not be saved.

There are walking tracks and a campground in the area.

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