The search and rescue operation for a fisherman missing in waters near the Creal Reef in the Coral Sea off Mackay has entered its second day, following the rescue of two of the man’s companions yesterday.
Working from first to last light, police and multiple agencies have conducted a wide-ranging surface and aerial search spanning hundreds of nautical miles in search for the missing 41-year-old Grasstree Beach man without result.
Five marine assets, including the Queensland Police Service’s ‘Damian Leeding’ catamaran and Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) vessels from the Burdekin to Mackay were tasked, with support from a fixed wing aircraft from AMSA.
Tomorrow the search will resume from first light with similar resources, however grave concerns are held for the welfare of the missing man.
Boaties and other recreational water users are asked to immediately report sightings to police.
The trio activated an EPIRB aboard a stricken vessel just after 8.10pm on Thursday April 13, with an emergency response coordinated by police, VMR, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Response Centre and a rescue helicopter.
Earlier release
