Stockton beach: Year-long mystery comes to a tragic end as remains of 20-year-old swimmer are found washed up on beach
The search for a missing swimmer has come to a tragic end after his remains washed ashore nine months later.
Police were called after a bone was found on the shoreline of Stockton Beach, north of Newcastle, on August 26.
Forensic investigation has since revealed that the bone belonged to a 20-year-old man who disappeared on November 26 while swimming at the beach.
Emergency services were sent to the beach after reports of swimmers struggling in the surf.
Three swimmers were rescued, but one could not be found, prompting an extensive search on the water and in the air.
According to New South Wales police, an initial investigation indicates the death was not suspicious.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
The search for a 20-year-old man who went missing on Stockton Beach, north of Newcastle, has ended after a flounder washed ashore in August (pictured: SLS at the scene)
Forensic examination confirmed that the bone belonged to the young swimmer who disappeared last November while swimming at the beach (pictured: SLS on site)