Teen who went missing found alive nearly 8 miles away in very unexpected location 2 days later

Darcy Deefholts has returned to his family safe and sound after vanishing on Wednesday (July 9) afternoon.

The 19-year-old was last known to be surfing at Wooli Beach in New South Wales, Australia, before going missing.

His father Terry Deefholts, a real estate agent, put out an emergency social media call for help as he was 'fearing the worst' when Darcy didn't show later that night.

Yesterday morning (July 11), Darcy was finally located 13km away on North Solitary Island after search parties took their boats further afield.

North Solitary Island is where they eventually found him (9News)

"HELP – I NEED BOATS, BEACH WALKERS, DRONES AND 4WDs and PLANES AT FIRST LIGHT," read Terry's Facebook plea.

“My boy Darcy is still missing. Marine Rescue searched tonight from Bare Point to Pebbly Beach at sea. They have been stood down for the night but expect they will be back early to resume the search.

“I am asking anyone with a seaworthy vessel to please meet me at the main Wooli boat ramp and take me to sea to help with the search.”

He then encouraged readers to step back from commenting unless they wished to physically help with the search.

19-year-old Darcy was swept out to sea whilst surfing this week (9News)

Just hours before the teenager was saved, Terry had issued a second message on social media urging people to scan local islands.

"Boats – need one to go straight to North West Solitary Island," he wrote. "That's where they found a person last year that got washed up.

"We are overwhelmed by the community efforts in the search so far. There is only one thing we want now – our beloved boy to be found safe currently."

Once his son was back on familiar land, Terry spoke to The Daily Telegraph, describing his survival as a 'one-in-a-million miracle'.

He went on to reveal that Darcy was receiving medical treatment and that he 'could not fathom' how he's still alive after being swept miles out to sea.

"I’m still just processing everything. We’ve had no sleep and it has been a lot to deal with," he added.

NSW Police previously reported how Darcy left his home in Wooli on a bicycle around 2.30pm and headed towards the beach.

“When he failed to return home, concerned family members contacted officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District,” their statement read.

“Concerns are held for Darcy’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character. Darcy is described as being of caucasian appearance, of slim build, about 180cm tall, with black hair.”

Marine Rescue NSW inspector John Murray shared that Marine Rescue NSW vessel Wooli 30 was tasked just before 10pm on Wednesday with the search-and-rescue mission.

“A volunteer crew was rapidly assembled and Wooli 30 deployed,” said Murray. "The crew searched waters from Bare Point in the north to Freshwater Beach in the south."

According to the inspector, Coffs Harbour 30 and Wooli 30 were both back on the water by 8am on Thursday, continuing the search for the missing Darcy.

"The volunteer crews will conduct search patterns under the direction of Marine Area Command."