Search for Gold Coast Fisherman Ash Haigh Suspended After Extensive Operations

The multi-agency search for 44-year-old Gold Coast fisherman Ash Haigh has been formally suspended by Queensland Police. The operation covered an extensive area of 1,800 square nautical miles between the Gold Coast and Yamba, New South Wales.

Mr. Haigh was reported missing last Thursday after his unoccupied vessel was discovered approximately 50 kilometers south-east of the Gold Coast Seaway on Friday morning. Separately, an inactive emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) registered to Mr. Haigh was located on Saturday afternoon.

The multi-agency search for 44-year-old Gold Coast fisherman Ash Haigh has been formally suspended by Queensland Police after covering an area of 1,800 square nautical miles.

Vessel Discovered Unoccupied Off Gold Coast

Ash Haigh, a 44-year-old Hollywell resident, was reported missing on Thursday, after he did not return to the Runaway Bay Marina as scheduled. Police received the report around 7:00 PM on Thursday, following his departure from the marina earlier that day.

Water police initiated searches, and Mr. Haigh's black half-cabin pleasure craft was located unoccupied around 2:00 AM on Friday. The vessel was found drifting in waters 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 immediate or apparent reason for it being unattended. Two fishing rods were later reported missing from the vessel.

Extensive Multi-Agency Search Launched

Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray confirmed Mr. Haigh is an experienced game fisherman with substantial marine experience. Chief Superintendent Kylie Rigg additionally noted that Mr. Haigh possessed appropriate safety gear and that offshore conditions at the time were calm with light winds.

The search expanded extensively, covering areas towards the Byron Bay region and south to Yamba, New South Wales. An Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) rescue plane was deployed from Essendon, Melbourne, to assist, conducting operations over offshore waters.

Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteers and Marine Rescue NSW collaborated with police in the multi-agency effort, which initially involved four marine rescue boats and one aircraft operating south of Point Danger.

On Saturday afternoon, an inactive emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) registered to Mr. Haigh was discovered approximately 14 nautical miles (25 kilometers) south of Ballina, New South Wales. No signs of life were detected in connection with the EPIRB, and the circumstances of it going overboard remain unknown.

Search Transitions to Recovery, Formally Suspended

After three days of extensive air and sea searches, the operation transitioned into a recovery phase due to no signs of life being discovered. The search was formally suspended by Queensland Police following coverage of 1,800 square nautical miles.

Police have stated that the incident is not considered suspicious. Authorities continue to seek information from anyone regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Haigh's disappearance.