Major search for missing fisherman as empty boat found
Andrew Stafford |
Mystery surrounds the disappearance of an experienced marlin fisherman missing in waters off the Gold Coast as a massive air and sea search for him expands.
The man left the Gold Coast Seaway at 6.30am on Thursday, with police notified at 7pm after he failed to return.
His unoccupied boat was found drifting 20 nautical miles east of Burleigh Heads in the early hours of Friday.
Multiple aircraft, helicopters and vessels have been scouring a huge area, with the focus shifting south on Saturday into waters off far-north NSW, between Brunswick Heads and Evans Head.
Queensland Police search co-ordinator Acting Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray said the search for the 44-year-old Holywell man would continue at least as long as there was a chance of finding him alive.
He said only three of four life jackets on the vessel had been located, raising the possibility the man was wearing one, giving him a better chance of survival.
But he said the circumstances of how the boat came to be found empty in excellent sailing conditions might never be known.
“The conditions were really good – the winds were light, there’s not much swell – one to one and a half metres at most, so it was ideal conditions,” Sen Sgt Gray said on Friday.
“The missing person is an experienced game fisherman. He’s well known in the industry and has a lot of experience.”
Water police have towed the man’s boat back to harbour.
While there was some water in the hull, police said it was otherwise in good condition.
The ignition keys were found on a seat in the boat’s cockpit, while the man’s wallet was found in his car. His mobile phone has not been located.
Sen Sgt Gray said he was in constant contact with the man’s family.
“As you can imagine, it’s a very difficult time for them, and we’ll keep updating them on progress as long as the search continues,” he said.
He said friends of the man, including other members of the game fishing community and industry, had joined the search.
AAP
