The hunt for a fisherman who vanished in the waters off Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on Sunday has been halted by the police.
Following a solitary fishing expedition, his family reported that the 43-year-old had not returned home, prompting emergency authorities to launch a massive air and sea search for him on Monday.
His abandoned boat was discovered after a search including numerous ships and airplanes, approximately two nautical miles off Comboyuro Point, which is close to Moreton Island.
The skipper was unable to be found, but his phone was found inside the boat.
Police had to reduce their hunt for the man as the days passed before declaring on Thursday that they had given up completely.
Murray Lyons, the Sunshine Coast District Search and Rescue Coordinator, described the result as tragic.
“Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to locate the man and bring him home to his loved ones,” he stated in a statement.
“We have liaised closely with his family and discussed the sad news regarding the likelihood of survival; they have asked for privacy during this difficult time.”
The man’s family expressed gratitude to the community, volunteers, and emergency services for their participation in the extensive search.
