Joe Tolano, 18, went missing on Wednesday afternoon shortly before a scheduled surf club training session after coming off his surfboard while in the water with friends. The search for the young lifesaver stretched across two days before he was located on Friday evening, ending a case that gripped the Sunshine Coast community.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the discovery of a missing swimmer from Buddina Beach this evening, 6 March. Following search and rescue efforts, the 18-year-old man was located deceased about 6pm.
Following his disappearance, which happened before a training session, an extensive search and rescue operation assembled, including land, sea, and air. Large waves and rough conditions led to difficulty in finding the missing swimmer. Officers from the Queensland Police Service coordinated the response, with Water Police, POLAIR and jet ski crews deployed offshore.
The lifesaving community reacted to the loss with grief and solidarity. "This is a heartbreaking loss for our clubs on the Sunshine Coast and for surf lifesavers right across Queensland. On behalf of Surf Life Saving Queensland, I extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Joe's family and friends during this devastating time," said Greg Cahill of Surf Life Saving Queensland, adding that the organisation was providing ongoing welfare and peer support to affected members.
Met Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club president Brett Magnussen said members were devastated by the loss of one of their young lifesavers. "Joe was a valued and much-loved member of our Met Caloundra family. After many years at Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club, he joined Met Caloundra last year and quickly became a big part of our club community."