Updated 12.45 pm
THE THIRD-DAY of searching for missing 19-year-old Irish surfer Stuart Butler in Australia has concluded for the night.
Butler was last seen struggling in the tide off Byron Bay, near the country’s Gold Coast on Saturday morning.
The man was surfing with two friends aged 26 and 20 who were rescued by volunteers.
Search crews worked into yesterday evening, but had to suspend the operation because of rough conditions.
The search began again today but has concluded due to bad light, it will resume tomorrow.
The Northern Star spoke to a number of witnesses who described the scene where the two men were rescued but Butler was taken under by strong waves.
The 26-year-old was assisted from the water and did not suffer any injuries, while the 20-year-old was found on rocks with minor injuries.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with members of the missing man’s family here in Ireland and in Australia.
-Additional reporting by Rónán Duffy
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