Major Search Operation Launched for Missing Boater Off Gold Coast
A desperate and urgent search is currently underway for a man who has gone missing in the waters off the Gold Coast. The man is believed to have taken his black half cabin pleasure craft out from the Runaway Bay Marina on Thursday but failed to return as scheduled.
Police Alerted and Initial Search Efforts
Authorities were notified around 7pm on Thursday after the man and his vessel were reported overdue. Queensland Water Police immediately initiated a comprehensive search of the surrounding areas and seaways. Throughout the night, attempts were made to establish contact with the boat via radio, but these efforts proved unsuccessful.
Vessel Located Unoccupied in Early Hours
In a concerning development, at approximately 2am on Friday, a boat matching the description was located about 25 nautical miles southeast of the seaway. The vessel was found completely unoccupied, with no sign of the missing man onboard. Police have confirmed that the search is specifically for a man believed to have been on this now-empty craft.
Intensified Search with Aerial Support
The search operation has been significantly scaled up with the deployment of at least three search and rescue helicopters. These aerial assets are working in coordination with marine units to scour a wide area of ocean, focusing on potential locations where the missing individual might be found.
The situation remains critical as emergency services continue their efforts throughout the day. Further updates are expected as the search progresses and more information becomes available to investigators and rescue coordinators.
