LATEST @ 8AM | A major search is underway for a man after his missing boat was found unoccupied in waters off the Gold Coast early this morning.
A search was launched just after 7pm last night after the black half cabin Pleasure Craft was reported overdue from the Runaway Bay Marina.
Water police searched the surrounding areas and seaways and attempted to make contact with the vessel over radio, but had no luck.
A widespread air search was also carried out for around six hours, but authorities were unable to locate any sign of the vessel.
Following ongoing search efforts, the boat was located just after 2am this morning in waters 20 nautical miles east of Burleigh Heads with no one onboard.
Serious concerns are now being held for the man, with a large search operation underway.
Marine Rescue NSW has been called in to assist Queensland Water Police.
“A volunteer crew was assembled and Marine Rescue NSW vessel Point Danger 31 was tasked to assist the multi-agency search,” Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said.
“Point Danger 31 departed base at 8.30 am and is currently conducting a parallel line search with NSW Water Police in an area defined by Queensland Water Police.
“Conditions are calm offshore with light winds.
“Marine Rescue NSW will continue assisting the search until instructed otherwise.
“Overnight, volunteer radio operators at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie made several attempts to contact the vessel in question.
“Today, radio operators from the Point Danger unit are assisting with communications,” Inspector Murray said.
EARLIER @ 6.30 AM | A major search has been launched in waters off the Gold Coast after reports a vessel failed to arrive at its destination.
Police were alerted around 7pm last night after concerns were raised for the boat, which failed to return to shore on Thursday.
The vessel departed from Runaway Bay marina where it was due to come back, but hasn’t made contact since.
It’s not yet known how many people were on board.
A widespread air search was carried out for around six hours overnight, however, authorities were unable to locate any sign of the vessel.
Investigators are continuing to make inquiries this morning as they work to determine what may have happened.
