NZ swimmer's body found on Gold Coast

Richard Doyle had been holidaying with his family on the Gold Coast. File photo / Supplied

Queensland police have confirmed a body which washed up this morning on the Gold Coast is missing New Zealand teenager Richard Doyle.

The 19-year-old Queenstown man's body was found around 5am (8am NZ time) at South Stradbroke Island, several kilometres from where he went missing.

Mr Doyle had not been seen since telling his family he was going for a "quick swim" at Northcliffe, south of Surfers Paradise, on Monday morning.

His wallet and clothing were found on the beach the same day, sparking a land and sea search.

Police spokeswoman Kelly Murray said that Mr Doyle's father, Peter, was at the scene and was being supported.

Richard, his brothers Matt, 21, and Timmy, 16, were holidaying on the Gold Coast with their father only months after the deaths of their mother, Marilyn, and an aunt.

"It's just absolutely numbing," long-time family friend Mary Garvie told the Herald.

"How much can one family take?"

Richard suffered from epilepsy but was on medication, she said.

- NZPA