The search for three far northern men continues today after they failed to return from a fishing trip to Cape Tribulation on Australia Day.
The men, aged 18, 27 and 37 were due back in Yarrabah Tuesday afternoon, after setting out on a 4.8m white, centre console aluminium vessel with a blue canopy, registration VO317Q.
The trio were last seen around 8.30am on Tuesday at a reef off Green Island where they appeared to be having engine trouble. They have not been heard from since.
Police were notified of about the missing men at about 3.30am yesterday (Wednesday January 27) and commenced an air, land and sea search with the assistance of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Volunteer Marine Rescue.
Three helicopters and a fixed wing plane have helped to extend the search area to around 1700 square nautical miles, taking in Little Fitzroy Island and Cape Tribulation.
Today water police have co-ordinated a search scouring seas and the coastline from Yorkey’s Knob to Cape Tribulation.
Police search co-ordinators wish to thank the AMSA, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Marine Parks, Fisheries, Nautilus Aviation, additional police teams, countless boaties and members of the Yarrabah community for their continued assistance with the search.
The AMSA response centre issued an emergency broadcast to shipping in the area yesterday and police continue to appeal for public assistance.
Police are providing constant updates to the families and are providing support to the Yarrabah community.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day or call 1800 333 000.
