A coordinated search operation involving multiple agencies is currently taking place south of Sydney for a man believed to be trapped inside a vehicle submerged in water.

Emergency responders received reports early this morning regarding a car that had entered the water at Audley Weir within the Royal National Park. It was reported that there were two individuals in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

The driver, a 20-year-old male, successfully managed to escape from the car, while his passenger, also believed to be in his 20s, remains unaccounted for.

Police divers have been deployed to assist in the search for the missing man, as part of a broader multi-agency effort at the Royal National Park, located in the southern region of Sydney. Emergency services were alerted to the situation shortly after 1:15 AM.

Due to ongoing investigations related to a fatal yacht incident in South Ballina on the far north coast of New South Wales, the police dive team faced delays in their response. Furthermore, the search was hampered by low visibility conditions during the night, preventing divers from entering the water until dawn.

A second dive team has now been dispatched to the scene to aid in the search efforts.

In addition, Audley Road at Audley Weir has been closed in both directions, and drivers are advised to steer clear of the area and choose alternative routes.

Authorities have established a crime scene and are actively conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.