Luke Smith: Fisherman's body found in Swansea Channel, Lake Macquarie

The body of a man recovered from a lake is believed to belong to a 23-year-old fisherman was thrown from a boat almost two weeks ago.

A massive multi-agency search for Luke Smith, 23, came to a sad end on Thursday after police received reports of a body in Swansea Channel in the NSW Hunter region.

Mr Smith went missing after he and three friends were thrown from a small boat on Lake Macquarie shortly before 8pm on July 6.

It's understood they were fishing when their boat struck a buoy.

Three of the men aged in their 20s, managed to swim to shore but Mr Smith did not resurface.

NSW Police are yet to formally identify the remains discovered on Thursday but believe they belong to Mr Smith.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Heartbroken family members and friends have regularly gathered, at times in crowds up to 70 strong, at the shore while searchers looked for Mr Smith. 

It's understood that Luke tried to help one of his mates get to shore before he disappeared. 

It comes a week after Mr Smith's heartbroken family revealed they had not lost hope and issued a safety warning to anyone conducting their own searches. 

'It is crucial to wear life jackets and adhere to safety guidelines on the water,' they said in a statement released by NSW Police.

'Particularly in the Swansea Channel and surrounding waters, which can be hazardous, we implore boaters to exercise caution.

'We haven’t lost hope and we won’t give up, and we ask those on the water or near the coast to keep an eye out for anything that might assist in the search.'

Luke's father, David Smith, also shared a heartbreaking post on social media.   

'Luke my son, my boy,' he wrote. 

'Still had so much I wanted to share in life with you. Dad will diligently guard and keep the huge space in his heart for you to fill! When I see you again.'

The family also thanked volunteers and emergency services for their search efforts so far. 

'We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, emergency services, boaters, and members of the Lake Macquarie community who have dedicated their time and resources to the search efforts,' their statement continued. 

'Your compassion and willingness to help have provided us with strength and hope.'

Mr Smith's high school friend, Chloe Kearns has started a GoFundMe page for his family. 

'Luke’s family, friends, and the wider community have been looking day and night trying to find him and bring him home,' Ms Kearns wrote. 

'However, as we all know, bills still pile up, and in this uncertain time, Luke’s family should not be worrying about this.

'Thank you to anyone who is able to donate. If you’re unable to do so, please share and continue to keep Luke and his family in your thoughts. Let’s bring Luke home.'