Ledge Point local tells of shock at snorkeler going missing off reef as search for 32yo continues

A local has described his shock at a snorkeler going missing off Ledge Point.

Jay Barrett, who has been assisting in the search for the 32-year-old, said the group the man was with were reasonably close to shore.

“He wasn’t very far out at all, you can literally nearly walk to the reef where they were,” Mr Barrett said.

However, having lived in Ledge Point — which is near Lancelin and about 105km north of Perth — for more than 50 years, he said the waters could be dangerous.

“It does have some treacherous spots,” Mr Barrett said.

“You’ve just got to be cautious when you dive. Accidents happen and it’s very, very tragic.

“I just really hope that today we can get a resolution for the family and everyone involved.“

Authorities are continuing their search for the snorkeler, which started about 3pm on Thursday after he failed to return to the shore while diving with three friends.

It is believed they started snorkelling about 10am.

The search restarted on Friday morning with PolAir, two Lancelin Volunteer Marine Sea Rescue vessels, police divers and rescuers on jetskis scouring the ocean.

An empty tinny was spotted from the air on Thursday but it is not known who the boat belongs to.

Police are also searching the beaches.