A body has been found in the water after a multi-day search for an 11-year-old boy who was swept out to sea while on a family fishing trip.

Laith Alaid, his younger brothers and father were crossing a channel at The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast on Sunday when he was carried away by the outgoing tide.

His father, 43, tried to reach his eldest son but was unsuccessful.

A major land and sea search found no sign of Laith on Monday or Tuesday, but emergency services were called following reports of a body being found in the water at The Entrance about 2.30pm on Wednesday.

While the body was yet to be formally identified, it was believed to be the missing 11-year-old from Sydney, police said.

His family previously said they remained hopeful while thanking volunteers and emergency services for their efforts in the search.

“We are deeply moved by the community support we have received since Laith went missing,” the family said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Thank you to all the volunteers, emergency services, and members of the Central Coast community, who have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to the search efforts.”

The family was visiting from Sydney and fishing in the area when it’s believed they took a shortcut across the channel, which connects Tuggerah Lake to the ocean.

“Lots of people try and move across that channel … it is not advised though,” NSW Police Inspector David Piddington said previously.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.