Torres Strait: Urgent search for missing teenager who disappeared while trying to swim to shore after his dinghy broke down on the water

An urgent search is underway for a teenager missing in the waters of the Torres Strait.

Queensland police said a 13-year-old boy swam about 500 meters to the shore of Saibai Island, about four kilometers south of Papua New Guinea, and raised the alarm.

He said this after his 16-year-old buddy tried to swim from their broken dinghy at night but failed to reach shore in rainy weather.

Thursday Island Water Police immediately activated and began a search and rescue operation with support from general duties crews.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.