It is believed that the body of a boy who was dragged in front of his family in Australia has been found.

New South Wales Police Force In a statement on Sunday, November 3, he said that authorities were notified that a child was dragged into the ocean while trying to cross the Entrance Channel at the mouth of Lake Tuggerah.

“An extensive multi-agency search for the missing child was subsequently conducted and efforts continue today,” he added.

On Wednesday, November 6, at around 14.30 local time, authorities were called to the scene after a report that a body was found in the water.

“Although the body has not yet been formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing child,” the New South Wales Police Force said in a statement.

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A spokesperson for the New South Wales Police Force said in an email to PEOPLE on November 6 that the matter was currently in the hands of the coroner and no further updates were likely.

The New South Wales Police Force did not name the victim. Sky News, 9News And news.com.au The child was identified as 11-year-old Laith Alaid.

According to a Monday, November 4, update by policeA 43-year-old man was trying to cross the Entrance Channel with his four sons when the 11-year-old boy was “swept into the ocean by the current.”

“A lot of people are trying to go through this channel, but it’s not recommended,” Inspector David Piddington told reporters earlier this week. Guard reported.

In a statement made on November 4, the police noted that while the father was trying to reach his son, his other children were being taken care of by the surrounding people.

Authorities are unsure why the family, who reportedly moved to Australia from Iraq, crossed the channel, although Piddington said it was a “shortcut” from the beach, according to News.com.au.

The boy’s family released a statement expressing gratitude to those who joined the search before his body was found, Sky News and Guard reported.

“We would like to thank all the volunteers, emergency services and members of the Central Coast community who selflessly devoted their time and resources to the search efforts,” they wrote. “During this difficult time, we ask for privacy from the media. We support each other.”