A 19-year-old surfer, Darcy Deefholts, was dramatically rescued after spending nearly 17 hours stranded on North Solitary Island off the coast of New South Wales. Authorities confirmed that he was found alive on the morning of March 14, 2024, following a major search operation that began when he failed to return home from surfing.
The alarm was raised late on March 13 when Darcy’s clothing, bicycle, and shoes were discovered at a beach access point near Wooli Beach. Concern mounted as his family reported him missing after he had gone surfing earlier that afternoon. His father, Terry Deefholts, made an urgent appeal on social media, asking for assistance in the search.
Darcy had taken a cream Malibu surfboard to surf a small swell at One Tree, a popular spot in Wooli, around 16:00. As night fell and he did not return home, his family feared the worst. Terry shared details of his son’s surfing attire and urged anyone with a seaworthy vessel to join the search efforts.
“Of course we are fearing the worst,” Terry wrote. “There is only one thing we want now – our beloved boy to be found safe.”
Search operations included local police, the PolAir helicopter unit, Marine Area Command, and Marine Rescue. These efforts culminated in the discovery of Darcy on the remote island at approximately 09:00 on March 14, where he had spent the night isolated from the mainland.
A spokesperson from the New South Wales police stated, “Following a land and water search around Wooli beach, the man was located safe today on a small island off Wooli.”
Upon being found, Darcy was taken to Grafton Base Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition. A representative from the Northern NSW Local Health District said he was in good spirits and receiving support from his family.
The community rallied during the search, with family friend Casey Meaker setting up a Facebook group to spread awareness and coordinate search efforts. “After an incredibly long and cold night, Darcy was found this morning out on the islands off Wooli,” Meaker announced. “He made it a long way out – but he’s ALIVE, safe, and getting the care he needs.”
Terry Deefholts expressed his gratitude for the rescue, describing it as “one in a million.” He remarked on the surreal nature of the incident, reflecting on the moments when he feared he might never see his son again.
The outcome of this search operation serves as a testament to the strength of community support and the effectiveness of emergency services in responding to crises. Darcy’s remarkable survival after such a perilous night will undoubtedly resonate with the local community and beyond.