😢 “HE JUST WANTED TO WET HIS FEET”: Heartbreaking Search Continues for Young Man Swept Away in Seconds at Coogee Beach on New Year’s Day – As Rescuers Probe Mystery Floating Object Near Rocks

A carefree dawn swim to kick off 2026 turned into nightmare when a man in his 20s vanished in pounding surf at Sydney’s iconic Coogee Beach – witnesses say he disappeared in SECONDS after a rip pulled him under.

Now, with searches suspended and hopes fading, rescuers are zeroing in on a floating object spotted near the rocks that could hold clues… or closure.

Part of a horror spate of New Year’s drownings claiming lives across Australia – the desperate hunt and chilling details that have families shattered…

Full tragic story 👇

The frantic multi-day search for a man in his early 20s who vanished while swimming at Coogee Beach on New Year’s Day 2026 has been suspended, authorities announced on January 4, as part of a tragic series of drownings that marred the start of the year along Australia’s eastern coastline.

The missing swimmer, believed to be a 22-year-old Nepalese national named Sushana Khadka in some reports, was last seen struggling in rough surf around 6 a.m. on January 1. Witnesses described him entering the water briefly — reportedly just to “wet his feet” or cool off after celebrations — before a powerful rip current dragged him out in seconds.

“He disappeared so quickly — one moment he was there, the next gone,” one eyewitness told local media. Friends who were with him raised the alarm immediately, but treacherous conditions hampered early rescue efforts.

The incident at Coogee was one of several water tragedies over the New Year’s period. Across New South Wales and Queensland, at least six people died in drownings, with multiple searches launched for missing swimmers. Beaches were flagged with “very poor” surf conditions due to strong swells and rips, yet many ventured in amid holiday crowds.

Police and Surf Life Saving NSW deployed helicopters, jetskis, drones, and boats in an extensive operation covering Coogee and surrounding areas. On January 3-4, attention turned to a floating object spotted near rocky outcrops — possibly clothing, debris, or belongings — that rescuers investigated as a potential lead. Divers and marine units examined the item, but no breakthrough was announced before the suspension.

“After exhaustive searches, we’ve made the difficult decision to scale back,” a NSW Police spokesperson said. “The operation has transitioned to recovery mode.” Hopes of finding the man alive have faded, with family and the Nepalese community in Sydney left devastated.

The Coogee victim was among friends when he entered the unpatrolled water early that morning. Reports suggest he and two companions were cooling off post-New Year’s Eve when the rip struck. Bystanders and off-duty lifesavers attempted rescues, but the swell proved overwhelming.

This drowning contributed to what authorities called an “absolutely horrendous” start to 2026. Separate incidents included:

A Sydney mother, Melissa Austin, drowning heroically while saving her son at another beach.
A 14-year-old boy missing after a boat capsized at Palm Beach on New Year’s Eve.
Additional fatalities at Maroubra, Jervis Bay, and Queensland’s Whitehaven Beach, involving an Irish national.

In total, four confirmed deaths and two missing (later searches suspended) over 36 hours highlighted dangerous summer conditions.

Coogee Beach, a popular spot in Sydney’s eastern suburbs known for its scenic cliffs and vibrant atmosphere, was closed temporarily. Red flags warned of hazards, but the early hour and post-holiday vibe drew swimmers.

Lifeguards and experts reiterated pleas to swim only between flags at patrolled beaches. “Rips can pull even strong swimmers out rapidly,” a Surf Life Saving rep noted. The floating object near rocks — a common hazard at Coogee where currents swirl — raised brief speculation but yielded no body recovery by suspension.

The man’s friends were treated for shock, with community support pouring in via vigils and online tributes. The Nepalese consul assisted family notifications.

As summer peaks, drownings underscore persistent risks. Royal Life Saving Australia reports dozens of coastal deaths annually, often in rips.

For Coogee locals and visitors, the new year began in sorrow. The young man’s simple desire to dip his toes turned fatal in seconds — a stark reminder of the ocean’s power.

Searches may resume if new information emerges, but for now, a community mourns another life claimed by the sea.