The report of a missing swimmer on the South Coast, which sparked a three-day search costing almost $1 million, has turned out to be a hoax.
Police were alerted to a report of a missing man at Gillards Beach near Tathra about 5.30pm Wednesday.
The “missing” swimmer was reported by a 42-year-old Victorian man, who told police his twin brother had gone for a swim and disappeared in the water.
The man told police he had left his brother at the beach and driven back into Tathra for a couple of hours. Upon his return the man said he found clothes and personal belongings on the beach but no sign of his brother.
Police have now confirmed the man fabricated the story.
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