<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>332473</docID> <postdate>2024-11-05 14:42:22</postdate> <headline>‘We remain hopeful’: family’s anguish for missing 11yo</headline> <body><p><img class=" wp-image-332476" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241105154114324866-original-1-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="615" height="410" /></p> <caption>Laith Alaid was swept into the Pacific Ocean while on a family fishing trip in NSW. (Supplied by Nsw Police/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p class="wire-column__preview__author"><span class="kicker-line">By <b>Luke Costin</b> in Sydney</span></p> <p><strong>The family of an 11-year-old boy swept into the Pacific Ocean while on a family fishing trip has not given up hope as a major search entered its third day.</strong></p> <p>Laith Alaid, his younger brothers and his father were crossing a channel at The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast on Sunday when he struck difficulty as the tide was going out.</p> <p>A land, air and sea search for the Sydney boy continued for a third day on Tuesday.</p> <p>"We are deeply moved by the community support we have received since Laith went missing," his family said in a statement.</p> <p>"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.</p> <p>"We remain hopeful, and we ask the community to stay vigilant for anything that might assist in the search.</p> <p>"During this difficult time, we kindly request privacy from the media as we support each other and focus on finding our beloved boy."</p> <p>The family was visiting from Sydney and fishing in the area when it's believed they took a shortcut across the channel, which connects Tuggerah Lake to the ocean.</p> <p>"Lots of people try and move across that channel. It is not advised though," Inspector David Piddington told reporters on Monday.</p> <p>Laith's father, 43, tried to reach his eldest son but was unsuccessful.</p> <p>Three hours of searching on Sunday and another eight on Monday - involving police, surf life savers and rescue helicopters - also found no sign of the boy.</p> <p>Insp Piddington previously said the boy's family was distraught.</p> <p>Police liaison officers and extended family members were assisting with support.</p> <p>"We'll assist them as much as we can moving forward," Insp Piddington said.</p> <p>The Entrance is at the mouth of Tuggerah Lake and is a popular weekend and holiday destination about 100km north of Sydney.</p> </body>