Emergency crews involved in a search and rescue for three fishermen missing at Creal Reef in the Coral Sea off Mackay overnight have located two people.
Initial information indicates at approximately 8.10pm on April 13, three people were aboard a vessel when an EPIRB was activated around 80 nautical miles offshore.
Police and emergency services commenced a search and rescue involving Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR), the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Response Centre and a rescue helicopter.
Aircraft located one man clinging to the overturned boat this morning.
The 44-year-old Grasstree Beach man was retrieved by VMR at approximately 7am and transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious condition.
A second person, a 43-year-old Bray Park man, was located by the rescue helicopter just after 11am.
He was extracted by VMR and flown to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment where he is assisting police.
The search is continuing for a third person.
The 41-year-old Grasstree Beach man has not been seen since last night.
Police hold serious concerns for his welfare.
Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing.
Boaties and other recreational water users are asked to immediately report sightings to 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.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
