Queensland emergency services have concluded several significant search operations across the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, resulting in the suspension of a search for a missing fisherman and the recovery of two individuals. The incidents involved a 44-year-old fisherman whose unoccupied boat was found off the Gold Coast, a 20-year-old man who went missing while swimming at Main Beach, Gold Coast, and an 18-year-old surf lifesaver who disappeared during training off Buddina Beach on the Sunshine Coast.
Queensland emergency services have concluded several significant search operations across the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, resulting in the suspension of a search for a missing fisherman and the recovery of two individuals.
Search for Missing Gold Coast Fisherman Suspended
The cross-border search for 44-year-old Ash Haigh, a Hollywell resident, has been suspended by Queensland Police after covering 1,800 square nautical miles between the Gold Coast and Yamba, New South Wales. Mr. Haigh was reported missing on Thursday, after failing to return to Runaway Bay Marina by 5:00 PM. Police received a report around 7:00 PM on Thursday.
His black half-cabin pleasure craft was located unoccupied around 2:00 AM on Friday, approximately 25 nautical miles (about 50 kilometers) south-east of the Gold Coast Seaway.
Authorities described the boat as being in good condition with no apparent reason for it being unattended.
Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray noted that the reasons for the man's absence from the vessel are not yet determined.
An inactive emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) registered to Mr. Haigh was found separately late on Saturday afternoon, approximately 14 nautical miles (25 kilometers) south of Ballina, New South Wales. Two fishing rods were reported missing from the vessel.
Mr. Haigh was described by Senior Sergeant Gray as an experienced game fisherman with substantial marine experience. Chief Superintendent Kylie Rigg confirmed he possessed appropriate safety gear and noted that water conditions at the time were favorable, with Inspector John Murray describing offshore conditions as calm with light winds. The circumstances of the EPIRB going overboard remain unknown. Police stated the incident is not considered suspicious.
The search operation involved:
- Water police
- An Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) rescue plane deployed from Essendon, Melbourne, which conducted operations over offshore waters.
- Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteers.
- Marine Rescue NSW.
- Four boats and an aircraft.
The search transitioned to a recovery phase after no signs of life were detected before its formal suspension. Police continue to request anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Body Found After Search for Missing Gold Coast Swimmer
A 20-year-old man's body was discovered at Main Beach on the Gold Coast on Wednesday afternoon, following a major search operation.
Emergency services were notified around 6:30 PM on Tuesday after reports indicated the man, believed to be a tourist, was observed struggling in the water off Main Beach.
Witnesses attempted to reach the individual but lost sight of him.
The initial multi-agency search, involving police and Surf Life Saving Queensland, commenced Tuesday evening but was suspended at 8:30 PM due to darkness. The operation resumed at first light on Wednesday.
Resources deployed included:
- Drones
- A police helicopter (PolAir)
- Gold Coast Water Police boats
- Jet skis
- Volunteer lifeguards from Surf Life Saving Queensland
The man's body was located at approximately 1:30 PM on Wednesday at Main Beach. Police will prepare a report for the coroner. Surf Life Saving Queensland confirmed that city beaches remained open, advising beachgoers to swim between the red and yellow flags and during designated patrol times.
Body Recovered After Search for Missing Sunshine Coast Surf Lifesaver
An 18-year-old surf lifesaver was found deceased on Friday evening following a multi-day search off Buddina Beach on the Sunshine Coast.
The individual disappeared after coming off a surfboard during a training session on Wednesday around 4:15 PM at Buddina Beach, Pacific Blvd.
The search operation, which covered an area from Mooloolaba Spit to south of Kawana, was initiated around 4:15 PM on Wednesday when the teenager failed to return to shore. Initial efforts lasted over five hours, pausing at 9:00 PM and resuming on Thursday morning.
Chief Inspector Jason Overland of the Sunshine Coast District Central Patrol Group noted the search would continue despite "pretty rough" conditions.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Chief Operating Officer Gregory Cahill stated the alert was raised shortly before a training session was to begin, confirming the missing person was a member of the organization.
Search efforts faced complications due to challenging surf conditions and reduced visibility along the coastline. Multiple agencies and resources were involved, including:
- Jetskis
- Dinghies
- Police divers
- The LifeFlight rescue helicopter
- PolAir
- Coastguard vessels
- Surf lifesavers
Greg Cahill of SLQ issued a statement acknowledging the impact of the death on the surf lifesaving community and extended condolences to the individual's family and friends. SLQ has committed to providing welfare and peer support services to affected members, volunteers, and staff.
A report concerning the death will be prepared for the coroner. Police had requested anyone with information to contact authorities.