Surfski Paddler Missing - NSW, Australia

ABC News, Austrlalia: Police hold grave fears for a man who has been missing since telling his mother he was going for a quick paddle on his surf kayak on the New South Wales Central Coast.

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Police say 20-year-old Ryan Sainty, a promising rugby league player, left his home in Park Avenue at Woy Woy at about 12.30 pm (AEST) on Friday.

He took his surf kayak with him, telling his mother he was going for a paddle for about an hour. His mother called police at about 5:00pm when he had not come home.

Later in the afternoon a man told police he had found a blue surf kayak in Brisbane Water. Police say the kayak was upside down in the water with a paddle and a wind jacket tied to it.

Police have searched the water with Polair and two volunteer patrols, with no success. They will resume the search this morning.

Police say they hold grave concerns for Mr Sainty's welfare. He is described as white or European in appearance, about 193cm tall with an athletic build. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. - AAP

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