Illawong Brigade was called upon to assist NSW Police and SES in a search and Rescue operation.

An Estonian backpacker, Ms Pijot Kuck had reported missing after several days camping on Eleura Beach, Cronulla.  Her gear was found on the beach but there was no sign of her, her phone or passport so a co-ordinated search began.

A crew for Illawong joined the search on Thursday afternoon, 1st July and searched for as long as light allowed.

A crew searched again all day Friday, 2nd July,

The area from north of Wanda surf club to Boat Harbour was searched.  The vegetation varied for grassland to thick coast heath.  Some places were almost impenetrable.

The search was called off late on Friday after crews emerged from the bush cold and tired having found no trace of Ms Kuck who was later found safe and warm in a house in Wahroonga in Northern Sydney.

Search crews were pleased to hear that she was safe although frustrated that their time had been wasted.