Family of 11-year-boy missing off beach at The Entrance remain hopeful [Video]

A multi-agency search for an 11-year-old boy swept out to sea at a notorious Central Coast beach has been suspended, hours after his family said they remained hopeful their “beloved boy” would be found.

Laith Alaid was crossing the channel at The Entrance beach with his father, 43, and three younger brothers, aged nine, seven and three, when he was washed off its northern side about 5.15pm on Sunday, sparking a large-scale land, air and sea search.

Rescuers searched for Alaid on Sunday night and during daylight hours on Monday and Tuesday, before calling off the search at 4pm.

Tuggerah Lakes Police District, Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW will continue regular patrols of the area during the …