Western Australian police have significantly reduced their marine search efforts for a 62-year-old man who vanished during a solo boating trip near Albany earlier this week.
Boat found adrift with no one on board
The man, from Mt Barker, was reported missing by his family after he failed to return home from his trip around 7:20pm on Tuesday, December 2nd. His eight-metre catamaran was later discovered adrift near Michaelmas Island, approximately 30 kilometres east of Albany, but he was not on the vessel.
Police confirmed on Thursday, December 4th, that the extensive air and sea search had been scaled back. However, local officers will continue to patrol beaches, with drones assisting in the ongoing efforts.
Extensive multi-agency search operation
The initial response involved a major multi-agency operation. Resources deployed included the police air wing, drones, Department of Transport vessels, and volunteer marine rescue crews. The search focused on the waters around Michaelmas and Breaksea Islands.
Albany Sea Rescue Squad commander Colin Bairstow provided details of the challenging conditions on Tuesday night. He was aboard one of the rescue vessels that helped locate the empty catamaran.
"We were conducting a grid search pattern, and conditions were pretty ideal with no wind until about 10:30pm," Mr Bairstow said on Wednesday. "A heavy mist came in and obstructed our vision just as the rescue helicopter arrived. We stayed out until 1am to continue searching, but to no avail."
The recovered catamaran was subsequently towed back to the Emu Point Boat Harbour.
Appeal for public information
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the missing man or his activities to come forward. People can contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with solo boating, even in conditions initially described as ideal.
