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Ocean search ends for missing cliff diver Matthias Bache

The ocean search for a 25-year-old man missing off the coast of Yallingup has ended.

Dunsborough man Matthias Bache jumped into the ocean off rocks at Wyadup Rocks on Tuesday.

His friends were forced to standby and watch helplessly as he was swept away.

Police, the RAC Rescue helicopter and crews on several boats searched for Mr Bache for two days but were unable to find him.

Matthias Bache got into trouble after jumping off rocks near Yallingup. Picture:Supplied.
Matthias Bache got into trouble after jumping off rocks near Yallingup. Picture:Supplied.

The sea search was called off this morning but Police and State Emergency Service volunteers will conduct a land search around Wyadup Rocks.

Yesterday Mr Bache's mother revealed it was the second tragedy in two years to strike the family.

Jane Bache said she was overwhelmed by the support she had received from around the country and was praying the sea "will give him back to us".

"Unfortunately, we actually went through this two years ago," she said.

Friends of Mr Bache look on as the search for the young man continued on Wednesday. Photo: 7 News
Friends of Mr Bache look on as the search for the young man continued on Wednesday. Photo: 7 News

"My husband passed away tragically in Bali, so once again we find ourselves in another tragic circumstance where our local community rally behind us.

"It is actually that support, knowing the police, who have been so compassionate, kind and caring and just knowing they are there for us.

"They want to bring Matt home to us as well."

Mrs Bache said the family moved to WA about 12 years ago when Matthias was 14.

Wyadup Rocks file photo. Picture: Jim King
Wyadup Rocks file photo. Picture: Jim King

"We are just this normal, simple family and we have the whole community and police and volunteers and all walks of life out there looking for my son and it's very humbling," Mrs Bache said.

"My whole family extends heartfelt thanks.

"We have such a gratitude and debt that we can't repay.

Mrs Bache said she had received a call about 9pm on the day her son went missing and that she had been speaking to him earlier in the day.



"It came as quite a shock. There were reports that there had been an accident and that he was missing at sea and there was a search.

"Your minds going around, the suffering, the pain, you just hope that there suffering is quick and that the sea will give him back to us."

Mr Bache has been described by his friends as “free spirited” and “adventurous”.

“He's just such a lovely person and always smiles and these sort of people you'd just never expect to go,” his friend Joanne Elizabeth said.

An extensive search has been underway for Matthias Bache since Tuesday. Photo: 7 News
An extensive search has been underway for Matthias Bache since Tuesday. Photo: 7 News

The 25-year-old had planned to go cliff jumping with friends but he was the only one to jump. His mates said the conditions were rough.

On Wednesday afternoon, highly skilled police divers were called in but by evening, there was still no sign of Mr Bache.

“I can imagine him just feeling excited and really wanting to jump off,” Joanne said.

Mr Bache was comforted by his friends as they watched crews in the search.

She posted a simple note to Facebook: "Please - come home to us Matty".

“This is a reminder of how beautiful yet dangerous our coast is and we all need to treat it with respect," South West Police Inspector Pete Davies said.