Shortly before 11 a.m. on 19 January, emergency services responded to reports of a possible incident at the Kiama Blowhole.

A multi-agency search on the northern side of the Blowhole was later stood down after a number of unattended personal items, including a wallet, were located on rocks near the water’s edge.

Two Marine Rescue NSW vessels, NSW Ambulance crews and a police helicopter were deployed to the busy tourist area, with security footage reviewed in an effort to identify the owner of the items.

Three helicopters were observed operating over the area during the search.

NSW Police later used identification found inside the wallet to contact the owner, a man from Sydney’s west, who told officers the belongings had been left behind during a visit to Kiama several days earlier.

While the operation has been called off, police say the matter remains an active investigation as they are yet to physically confirm the man’s welfare.

Paramedics and police were on site throughout the response. A large number of visitors were present at the Blowhole, with some continuing to take photographs on the rock platform while the search was underway.

Editor's note: this article has been amended to include additional details.