GETTY FILE PICTURE A major search operation is underway for the 31-year-old

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Emergency services launched a major search operation for the 31-year-old, who is thought to be from Manchester. He arrived in the country a week ago and went fishing with a friend before going to South Curl Curl beach in Sydney on Saturday evening.

GETTY FILE PICTURE The man arrived in the country a week ago and went for an evening swim

GETTY FILE PICTURE His friend reported him missing after he did not return

Police helicopters and locals combed the area to see if they could find any trace of the man. Boats, jetskis and police divers are also involved in a sea search while air crews have made several sweeps of the coastline. In a statement, the police said: "After searching throughout the morning with nil find, the search has now been called off. "However police will continue to make inquiries into the man's disappearance."

GETTY FILE PICTURE South Curl Curl beach is a popular tourist hotspot in Australia