A COORDINATED search for a missing child swept into the ocean at the Central Coast on Sunday has been suspended.
Laith Alaid, 11, was on a fishing trip with his family from Sydney when tragedy struck just after 5pm.
An urgent multi-agency search was launched after Laith was taken by the current while crossing a channel at The Entrance with his father and three younger brothers.
Two bystanders looked after the other three children, aged between three and nine, as Laith's father tried to reach him but was unsuccessful.
Laith's family released a public statement on Tuesday, the third day of the search, saying they were "deeply moved" by the support they had received.
"Thank you to all the volunteers, emergency services, and members of the Central Coast community, who have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to the search efforts," the statement said.
"We remain hopeful, and we ask the community to stay vigilant for anything that might assist in the search."
The family requested privacy as they support each other through this difficult time and focus on finding their beloved boy.
A three-day search from the land, sea and sky failed to find Laith and the multi-agency search was suspended at about 4pm on Tuesday, November 5.
Tuggerah Lakes police, Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW crews will continue regular patrols of the area over the coming days.
The extensive search for the boy involved local and water police, surf lifesavers and Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on Sunday night and through daylight hours on Monday and Tuesday.
The PolAir helicopter was searching Tuggerah Lake and an area off the coast, as far north as Budgewoi, on Tuesday morning.
Norah Head and Terrigal Marine Rescue crews were conducting offshore parallel line searches with water police on Tuesday, while three more Marine Rescue assets were called in to help the search that day.
Police divers were helping the operation on Monday.
"Lots of people try and move across that channel, it is not advised though," Tuggerah Lakes police Inspector David Piddington told reporters on Monday.
Police liaison officers and extended family members have been assisting with support and translation.
"We'll assist them as much as we can moving forward," Inspector Piddington said.
