The search for 41-year-old fisherman Colin Palmer missing in Cleveland Bay waters continues.
The search commenced at 6.30am today after a commercial fishing vessel rescued the his 45-year-old fishing companion north-east of Sandfly Creek after they both became separated from their boat during the night.
He was treated for exposure and was transported to hospital in a stable condition.
It is believed the men were standing at the back of their boat when a wave knocked it, causing them to fall overboard at around midnight last night. Prevailing conditions didn’t allow the men to swim back to their boat.
They then commenced swimming towards the mainland, supporting each other as they attempted their swim to safety. During this time, the pair became separated in the darkness and lost contact with each other.
More than 600 square nautical miles was searched today and involved multiple agencies including Maritime Safety Queensland, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Coast Guard, Volunteer Marine Rescue, Surf Lifesaving Queensland and QGAir. Conditions were largely favourable by air, and slightly choppy at sea.
Colin and the pair’s boat were not located.
Aircraft will continue searching overnight with a water-based assets re-joining the search at first light tomorrow morning.
Police urge boaties to report any sightings of Colin or his boat, a white Quintrex coast runner around 4 metres long with Queensland registration RD806Q, immediately.
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.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
