Body found in search for missing father at Lake Mulwala
A body has been found in the search for a missing 43-year-old father who disappeared while swimming with four children at Lake Mulwala in the NSW Riverina.
The father-of-two was with his son and three other boys in the lake near a caravan park at Mulwala, when he got into trouble at around 8.30pm last night, police said.
"He was heard to comment to one of the children that he was struggling. He then slipped below the water," Acting inspector Gary Lewis told reporters at the scene.
The children swam to shore to raise the alarm and a number of people used their boats in a search, but the man, from Mernda in Victoria, could not be found.
Divers have found the body of a Mernda man who disappeared on Lake Mulwala yesterday @7NewsMelbourne
— CameronBaud7 (@CameronBaud7) January 8, 2015
It was almost dark when the search effort began last night, with volunteers and emergency services all trying to find him.
"It is not known if the man was a strong swimmer or not, he was suffering some health issues and it's known he had been drinking during the day," Act insp. Lewis said.
Police divers resumed the search operation at first light in four metres of water. A body was discovered shortly before 12.30pm.
Submerged trees and low visibility made it a tough search.
All the while, family and friends maintained a gut-wrenching vigil on land.
The missing man's family confirmed he was taking medication for a heart condition and suspect he suffered a cardiac arrest.
The man and his two sons had been holidaying with an a group of extended family and friends.
Victoria news headlines - January 8
