<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>332549</docID> <postdate>2024-11-06 16:17:12</postdate> <headline>Body found in search for boy swept out to sea</headline> <body><p><img class=" wp-image-332550" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241105154114324866-original-1-scaled-e1730869971540-1.jpg" alt="" width="903" height="603" /></p> <caption>A body has been found in the search for Laith Alaid after the 11-year-old was swept out to sea. Photo: NSW Police</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Jack Gramenz</strong> in Sydney</span></p> <p><strong>A body has been found in the water after a multi-day search for an 11-year-old boy who was swept out to sea while on a family fishing trip.</strong></p> <p>Laith Alaid, his younger brothers and father were crossing a channel at The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast on Sunday when he was carried away by the outgoing tide.</p> <p>His father, 43, tried to reach his eldest son but was unsuccessful.</p> <p>A major land and sea search found no sign of Laith on Monday or Tuesday, but emergency services were called following reports of a body being found in the water at The Entrance about 2.30pm on Wednesday.</p> <p>While the body was yet to be formally identified, it was believed to be the missing 11-year-old from Sydney, police said.</p> <p>His family previously said they remained hopeful while thanking volunteers and emergency services for their efforts in the search.</p> <p>"We are deeply moved by the community support we have received since Laith went missing," the family said in a statement on Tuesday.</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>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," NSW Police Inspector David Piddington said previously.</p> <p>A report will be prepared for the coroner.</p> </body>