Missing teen 'failed to resurface' after being pulled into current

The Police addressed the media earlier today and said he was one of a group of three 16-year-old boys who were swimming in the Macquarie River at Sandy Beach at 5.40pm on Monday afternoon.

According to police, the boys were swept away by the current and one did not return to the surface. He hasn't been seen since.

Acting Inspector Scott Heckendorf of the Orana Mid-Western Police District said the boy was able to swim and the river was flowing "quite fast" at the time he disappeared.

"The river is unpredictable and the currents are changing all the time," he said.

With the help of members of the public and Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers, police scoured the banks of the river until about midnight.

The search resumed again on Tuesday, about 7.00am, with three specialist divers flown in from Sydney to assist. VRA search dogs, trained in water rescue and detection, were also brought onto the scene while drones surveyed from above.

As of 11.00am on Tuesday, the search was still a rescue operation and not a recovery.

"Everyone's heads are down and into the job," Acting Inspector Heckendorf said.

Acting Inspector Heckendorf said counselling is currently being offered to the boy's family and friends at the local high school and rugby club he attends.

"I think the community need to come together and be with the family and friends of this young gentleman and support them," he said.

As the search continues, police are asking anyone with information about the boy's whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Police describe the teen as being African in appearance, about 175 centimetres tall and of solid build. He was last seen wearing blue Adidas shorts.

More to come.