NZ epileptic feared drowned on Gold Coast

Queensland police say there has so far been no sign today of a young New Zealand tourist feared drowned off a popular Gold Coast beach.

Richard Doyle, 19, who suffered from epilepsy, went missing when he went for a swim at Northcliffe Beach, south of Surfers Paradise, yesterday morning.

Emergency service and lifeguards today continued an air and sea search today.

The teenager's parents remained hopeful their son would be found alive, Senior Constable Bruce Kolkka told reporters.

"His dad is positive still. He is still hopeful that there will be a good outcome to this."

Mr Kolkka said police understood Mr Doyle was a poor swimmer, with very limited experience in surf.

Strong southerly gales were creating choppy conditions.

"Conditions are fairly poor – there's chop on the top of the water, the southerly has created a bit of turbulence and it's also created a strong sweep to the north – making it very difficult to see something on the bottom."

He said Mr Doyle, who was was on holiday with his family, told his parents he was going for a "quick swim" about 7am yesterday before walking to Northcliffe Beach.

The regular beach patrol started at 7.30am.

His parents searched the beach three hours later and raised the alarm after they found his clothes, towel and wallet abandoned on the sand.

- NZPA