Police have thanked the public for their assistance in locating a teenage boy missing from the South Coast.

The 16-year-old had been missing after he was last seen in Shellharbour at about 10:30am on Saturday.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District were contacted and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

There were concerns for his welfare but he was found on Sunday afternoon.

Anyone with information about missing persons is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.