Search operation for man reported missing in water at Trigg Beach in WA scaled back

Emergency services have delivered an update on their search for a swimmer who was last seen “in distress” off a popular surf beach.

A desperate search to find a missing swimmer last seen “in distress” in the waters off a major Perth beach has been scaled back.

Emergency services were called to Trigg Beach about 5.15pm on Tuesday after the man was spotted “in distress” about 100m offshore.

He was subsequently lost from sight, Western Australia Police said in a statement.

Officers from Mirrabooka Police, Water Police and Police Air Wing attended the area to conduct a search and rescue operation, with assistance from Volunteer Marine Rescue.

A swimmer was last seen ‘in distress’ before vanishing 100m offshore Trigg Beach in WA, sparking a major search operation. Picture: Supplied / Google Street View

Water Police officers, with assistance from Police Air Wing, Mounted Section, ground crews, and Surf Life Saving WA, continued the search for the swimmer over Wednesday.

A WA Police spokesman said the man had still not been located.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the swimmer’s identity and welfare,” police said in a statement.

“No-one has been reported missing in relation to the incident at this time.”

Police have not been able to locate a man seen in distress off Trigg Beach. Picture: 7 News

Inspector Julie Foley told media the man has not been identified and police had not been able to locate a swimmer at sea.

“Extensive searches have been conducted of surrounding car parks and also the beaches,” she said.

“At this time, no items of interest have been located, nor have there been any vehicles that have been located abandoned.

“At this stage we believe we’ve exhausted all of our opportunities with regards to land and sea searching.

“We do intend to seek information from the public that may give us further advice.”

On Thursday, police confirmed they had scaled back their search. Picture: 7 News

Police would like to hear from any community member who may have been in distress in the water and self-rescued.

Surf Lifesaving WA states Trigg Beach is best suited for moderate to high-experience swimmers due to “larger waves and strong rips” that form along the stretch of coast.

“Take care when surfing this beach as waves can be deceivingly large and known to be quite treacherous when a north-westerly wind is blowing,” Surf Lifesaving WA’s website continues.