Grim update after 11-year-old Laith Alaid swept out to sea

A body believed to be that of the 11-year-old boy swept out to sea at The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast has been found.

Emergency services were called following reports Laith Alaid had been swept into the ocean while attempting to cross The Entrance Channel about 5.15pm on Sunday.

Laith’s 43-year-old father was crossing the channel from the North Entrance side, with his four boys – aged 11, nine, seven and three – when the eldest child was swept into the ocean by the current.

The father attempted to rescue his son but was unable to reach him before the boy was swept out to sea.

Police on Wednesday confirmed emergency services were called to The Entrance about 2.30pm Wednesday following reports a body had been found in the water.

The body is yet to be identified, however police believe it is Laith.

Laith’s family earlier said they “remain hopeful” while thanking those who have contributed to search efforts.

“We are deeply moved by the community support we have received since Laith went missing at The Entrance on Sunday morning,” the family said in a statement.

“Thank you to all the volunteers, emergency services, and members of The Central Coast community who have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to the search efforts.

“We remain hopeful, and we ask the community to stay vigilant for anything that might assist in the search.”

The family also said they wouldn’t be making any further comment.

“During this difficult time, we kindly request privacy from the media as we support each other and focus on finding our beloved boy,” the statement read.

Inspector David Paddington on Monday said the family had travelled to The Central Coast from Sydney and were fishing together.

“The family were here fishing and they were attempting to cross the channel when the boy was swept into the ocean from the channel,” he said.

It’s understood the family had recently moved to Australia from Iraq.

The family’s first language was not English, he added.

Inspector Piddington said while investigators didn’t know why the family decided to cross the channel, “it is a shortcut from the beach”.