A major search is underway for a 44-year-old man from Hollywell, Queensland, after his empty boat was discovered off the Gold Coast early Friday morning. Police were alerted around 7pm Thursday when the man's black half-cabin pleasure craft failed to return to Runaway Bay Marina.
Water police searched the surrounding waters and attempted radio contact before locating the boat around 2am Friday, 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 knowledge. The search area is vast and extending toward Byron Bay. Gray noted that if the man is wearing a life jacket, it would improve his chances of survival.
An Australian Maritime Safety Authority rescue plane flew from Essendon, Victoria, to assist, circling offshore for hours before landing at Gold Coast Airport at 5am. Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteers joined the multi-agency search, deploying a crew at 8:30am Friday.
Inspector John Murray reported calm offshore conditions with light winds. Marine Rescue NSW continues to support the operation, with radio operators from Point Danger handling communications. Police urge anyone with information to come forward.
