A major search is underway for a 44-year-old man from Hollywell after his empty boat was found off the Gold Coast early Friday morning. Police were alerted on Thursday night when the man's black half-cabin pleasure craft failed to return to Runaway Bay Marina.
Water police searched the surrounding areas and attempted to contact the vessel by radio. The boat was located around 2am Friday in waters 25 nautical miles (about 50 kilometers) southeast of the Gold Coast Seaway, with no one onboard. Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray stated the boat was in good condition with no apparent reason for the man's absence.
The missing man is described as an experienced game fisherman with extensive marine experience. The search area is vast and extending towards Byron Bay. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
An Australian Maritime Safety Authority rescue plane flew from Essendon to the Gold Coast on Thursday night and conducted aerial searches before landing at Gold Coast Airport around 5am. Marine Rescue Point Danger is assisting in the multi-agency effort, with a crew deploying at 8:30am Friday. Conditions offshore are calm with light winds.
