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Jockey Caserta’s body found off Gold Coast

Queensland police have found the body of missing jockey Chris Caserta, who disappeared while swimming at a Gold Coast beach on Wednesday night.

Dec 03, 2021, updated Dec 03, 2021
Prominent jockey Chris Caserta is missing feared drowned after a late-night beach swim on the Gold Coast (AAP image).

Prominent jockey Chris Caserta is missing feared drowned after a late-night beach swim on the Gold Coast (AAP image).

Police say the 26-year-old’s body was found floating about 200m offshore near a sand dredging jetty at Main Beach on Friday morning.

“It is believed to be the body of Chris Caserta, however a formal identification yet to be completed,” a police spokesperson told AAP.

“Once that happens we will prepare a report for the coroner.”

The Victorian Jockeys Association CEO Matthew Hyland told AAP Mr Caserta’s family has been told by police that his body has been found.

Gold Coast Water Police Senior Sergeant Jay Notaro said searchers gave up hope of finding him alive on Thursday morning.

“It is an absolute tragedy at any time, but particularly just before Christmas,” Sen Sgt Notaro said on Thursday.

“On behalf of the Queensland Police Service, I’d like to pass on our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the racing industry.

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“We’ll continue to search and our goal is to return Chris to his family.”

Caserta disappeared while swimming with a 25-year-old woman at Surfers Paradise beach about 10pm on Wednesday.

Onlookers saw the couple struggling in the water and were able to help the woman to the shore.

Helicopters scoured the coastline between Burleigh Heads and South Stradbroke Island for hours with Surf Lifesaving Queensland, Gold Coast City Council, volunteer marine rescuers, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and South Stradbroke Island Park Ranger joining the search.

 

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