Man Dead, Boy Missing After Boat Capsizes Off Sydney Beach

A boat has crashed into rocks at Palm Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches, killing one man and the search for a missing teen continues.

A police helicopter can be seen at a search site in north Palm Beach in Sydney, Wednesday, December 31, 2025. (AAP Image/Judy Skatssoon) NO ARCHIVING

A man has died, and a teenage boy is missing after a boat capsized near a popular beach area.

Emergency crews were called to Palm Beach in Sydney’s northern beaches following reports a boat had capsized in rough conditions around Barrenjoey Headland about 11.35 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.

A man was pulled from the water by Surf Life Saving members before being treated by paramedics, but he died at the scene.

He has not been formally identified.

Locals watched on as a multi-agency search response was launched to find a 14-year-old boy.

“A search operation has commenced—with assistance from Marine Area Command, PolAir and Marine Rescue NSW—to locate a 14-year-old boy who may have been a passenger on the boat,” NSW Police said in a statement.

A second man was able to climb onto nearby rocks before he was rescued by the Toll Ambulance rescue helicopter.

NSW Police has confirmed he is being treated by paramedics.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Northern Beaches police or Crime Stoppers.