A missing teenager with non-verbal autism has been found 50 metres offshore on a houseboat.
More than 150 local volunteers joined the full-scale search for Leif Courtney, 13, after he disappeared from his house on the Pacific Highway in Mooney Mooney, NSW, last night.
Leif was found this afternoon after nearly 20 hours away from his family.
Leif Courtney was found 50 metres off shore on a house boat.(9News)
Missing teenager Leif Courtney has been found safe and well.(9News)
Leif s mother Leonie Morris said there are not any words for the relief she feels seeing her son again. (He is) relieved to be back, Ms Morris said.
Date Time
Police seek help to locate missing teen in Brisbane Water
PLEASE NOTE: An image of the missing teen will be available on the NSW Police Force social media pages.
Police are appealing for public assistance to find a teenage boy reported missing from Brisbane Water area.
Leis Courtney, aged 13, was last seen at his home on The Pacific Highway Mooney Mooney about 7.30pm yesterday, (Wednesday 27 January 2021), and hasn’t been seen since.
Officers from Brisbane Water Police District hold concerns for his welfare due to his young age and him suffering autism.
A search of the area has been conducted involving officers from Brisbane Water Police District, Marine Area Command and members from the local community.
Sergeant Scott David Weber
Civilian employee, and Executive Assistant for the NSW Police Academy, Lisa Gardner, has also been recognised for her outstanding service to the NSW Police Force and will be awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM).
Commissioner Fuller said the awards reflect the years of service each employee has dedicated to the NSWPF and the people of NSW.
“Each year, we recognise a handful of employees for their exceptional careers with the NSW Police Force, where they have displayed not only professionalism and high-quality work, but passion and commitment,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Along with their families and the community, and the entire organisation, I am proud to have recommended each of the recipients for the Australian Police Medal.