Desperate Search Continues for Missing Queensland Fisherman
The urgent search for a Queensland father and husband continues into its second day after his fishing boat was discovered empty and adrift far out at sea. Experienced fisherman Ash Haigh, 44, from the Gold Coast suburb of Hollywell, remains missing following a concerning sequence of events that began on Thursday morning.
Vessel Found Empty After Failed Return
Ash Haigh set out from the Gold Coast Seaway at approximately 6.30am on Thursday aboard his black half-cabin pleasure craft, intending to fish for marlin. The vessel successfully checked in with marine authorities at the beginning of the trip but failed to complete the required check-out procedure around 5pm that evening.
When Haigh did not return to Runaway Bay Marina as expected several hours later, concerned authorities alerted Water Police at about 7pm. Initial search efforts through the night included scanning surrounding waters and attempting to make radio contact with the missing vessel.
The situation took a more serious turn around 2am on Friday when Haigh's boat, named The Grey Ghost, was located approximately 25 nautical miles southeast of the Gold Coast Seaway. Authorities confirmed the disturbing discovery that no one was onboard the vessel.
Massive Multi-Agency Search Operation
Rescue operations intensified dramatically on Friday morning with the deployment of significant resources across multiple agencies. A Challenger rescue aircraft was called in from Cairns to conduct search patterns from North Stradbroke Island in the north to Kingscliff in the south.
Additional air support arrived from Melbourne with a jet specifically deployed to join the search effort. The operation expanded to include at least four search and rescue helicopters and eight boats covering waters as far south as Pottsville.
Ash Haigh's vehicle remained parked at the marina exactly as he left it, a poignant reminder of the experienced fisherman's planned fishing expedition. Haigh is a dedicated member and former president of the Gold Coast Game Fishing Club, with fellow club members actively participating in the search for their missing colleague.
Glimmer of Hope Amid Concerning Circumstances
Acting Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray revealed a potentially hopeful detail during the search operation. "There were four life jackets on the vessel. However, we've only located three," Gray stated. This discovery has provided some optimism that Haigh might be wearing a life jacket, which would significantly improve his chances of survival in the open ocean.
Investigators are examining several possibilities regarding what might have occurred, including whether Haigh was pulled overboard while fishing. Marlin, the target species of his expedition, can weigh up to 200 kilograms, and even smaller fish have been known to drag experienced fishermen from their vessels.
The Gold Coast Game Fishing Club has confirmed they are dedicating all available resources to the search effort while providing support to Haigh's family during this distressing time. The search continues as authorities and community members maintain hope for a positive outcome.
