A 17-year-old boy named Jacob Partridge has gone missing under unsettling circumstances along a picturesque stretch of coastline north of Coffs Harbour, leaving those who know him anxious, bewildered, and desperate for answers. He was last seen late on Friday evening, December 6, 2024, near Emerald Beach in New South Wales, approximately 20 kilometers north of Coffs Harbour. According to reports, it was nearly 11pm when he headed off along the shoreline, eventually disappearing from sight. Although some early reports mistakenly suggested the teen had vanished while swimming with friends during daylight hours, family members close to Jacob, as well as police, have since confirmed to the Pinnacle Gazette that he was not out for a late-night dip. Instead, he simply ran off down the beach, vanishing into darkness without a trace. The timing of his disappearance—at such a late hour, and in conditions that were not ideal for a casual swim—has only intensified the sense of worry among his loved ones.
Jacob’s family says this behavior is out of character for him. He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, standing around 175 centimeters tall, with a medium build and long brown hair. He is known to frequent the Emerald Beach area, which makes his vanishing act all the more puzzling, as if familiar territory has somehow swallowed him whole. According to NSW Police, “Police and family hold concerns for his welfare as his behaviour is considered out of character.” His relatives have been imploring authorities and the broader community to join them in their desperate search. It’s not the sort of place where one expects people to go missing. Emerald Beach is well-known for its laid-back vibe and scenic beauty, a spot many visit to watch surfers glide over waves or stroll at dusk to enjoy a quiet escape. That this serene coastal enclave should become the stage of a harrowing search operation is something no one there ever wanted to imagine.
The search, which began in earnest over the weekend, has involved a sizeable team of responders working closely together in a multi-agency effort. On Saturday, marine and police rescue officers scoured the choppy, wind-swept waters just offshore for hours, hoping to find any sign of the missing teenager. The search was complicated by a 15 to 20 knot north-easterly wind and a rolling swell of up to two meters, creating rough conditions that tested the stamina and patience of everyone involved. According to accounts from Marine Rescue NSW, multiple rescue vessels conducted a systematic offshore sweep, extending from Bare Bluff to Macauleys Headland. The people on board knew that every minute matters in cases like these, and even as daylight faded, they kept at it, determined to find any clue that might lead them to Jacob.
When nightfall brought no results, authorities did not give up. On Sunday morning, the search resumed with a renewed push. Police expanded their efforts on land while Marine Area Command, the Police Rescue team, PolAir helicopter crews, Dog Unit officers, the NSW State Emergency Service, and Marine Rescue NSW worked hand in hand. Their presence along the coast and out at sea was hard to miss—search boats cutting through waves, officers combing through dense coastal brush, and the dull hum of a helicopter overhead all served as a reminder that someone out there might still need their help.
Those closest to Jacob can’t help but wonder what happened in that moment when he ran along the beach, disappearing from the view of his companions. There are the natural dangers of the ocean—hidden currents that can pull even strong swimmers under, sharp rocks concealed beneath foaming waves, deep channels formed in the sand—but no one is sure if the ocean is even where they should be looking. Without any firm leads, the searchers have had to broaden their scope, covering not just the shoreline but also inland areas where someone might have sought refuge overnight or wandered in confusion. It’s a puzzle with few pieces, and the handful of details that exist feel too small to shed any real light on Jacob’s whereabouts.
As the hours stretch on and the mystery deepens, anyone with information that might help locate him is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. The authorities are relying heavily on the community’s vigilance. Family members are clinging to the hope that someone, somewhere, saw or heard something that could give them a lead. Strangers who may have visited Emerald Beach that night are being asked to replay their evenings in their minds, to recall if they spotted someone fitting Jacob’s description, anything that might guide searchers toward him.
While the future is uncertain, the communal determination along the Coffs Harbour coastline remains steady. The ocean may hold many secrets, and the coastal scrub may conceal a person in need of help, but neither can hide forever from the combined efforts of dedicated professionals and a watchful public. The search for Jacob is more than a procedural effort; it is an emotional pursuit, a race against time that is testing the bonds of a small coastal community. Though nobody knows how this story will end, those gathered at Emerald Beach remain focused and resolute, praying that their persistent search and heartfelt concern will soon yield the break they so desperately need.