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Queensland Coasts See Multiple Search and Recovery Operations for Missing Individuals

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Emergency Services Conduct Extensive Search and Recovery Operations Across Queensland Coasts

Emergency services across Queensland's Gold and Sunshine Coasts have recently conducted several extensive search and recovery operations for missing individuals. These efforts have involved multiple agencies and resources, addressing incidents including a missing fisherman, a swimmer off Main Beach, and a surf lifesaver off Buddina Beach.

Search for Gold Coast Fisherman Ash Haigh Concludes

A multi-agency search for 44-year-old Ash Haigh concluded after he was reported missing off the Gold Coast. Mr. Haigh was reported missing on Thursday evening after he did not return to Runaway Bay Marina as scheduled at 5:00 PM, having departed early that day.

His black half-cabin pleasure craft was discovered unoccupied around 2:00 AM on Friday, approximately 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. Two fishing rods were reported missing from the vessel.

An inactive emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) registered to Mr. Haigh was located separately late Saturday afternoon, approximately 25 kilometers south of Ballina, New South Wales. The circumstances of the EPIRB going overboard remain unknown.

Mr. Haigh was described as an experienced game fisherman with substantial marine experience and possessing appropriate safety gear. Offshore conditions during the initial search were reported as calm with light winds.

Search Operations and Outcome

  • The search commenced Thursday night, covering an extensive area from the Gold Coast to Yamba, New South Wales, spanning 1,800 square nautical miles.
  • Resources involved water police, an Australian Maritime Safety Authority rescue plane deployed from Essendon, Marine Rescue Point Danger volunteers, and Marine Rescue NSW.
  • Sunday's efforts specifically focused on waters between Point Danger and Yamba, involving four boats and an aircraft.
  • The operation transitioned into a recovery phase after no signs of life were detected and was subsequently formally suspended.
  • Police stated the incident was not considered suspicious and continue to seek any relevant information from the public.

Missing Swimmer Found Deceased Off Gold Coast Main Beach

A 20-year-old man, believed to be a tourist, was found deceased at Main Beach on the Gold Coast following a major search operation.

Emergency services were notified around 6:30 PM on Tuesday after reports indicated the man was observed struggling in the water off Main Beach. Witnesses attempted to reach the individual but lost sight of him.

Search Efforts and Discovery

  • A multi-agency search, involving police and Surf Life Saving Queensland, was initiated on Tuesday evening but was suspended at 8:30 PM due to darkness.
  • The search resumed at first light on Wednesday.
  • Resources deployed included drones, a police helicopter, Gold Coast Water Police boats, jet skis, and volunteer lifeguards.
  • The man's body was located at Main Beach at approximately 1:30 PM on Wednesday.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner regarding the incident. Surf Life Saving Queensland confirmed city beaches remained open and advised beachgoers to prioritize safety by swimming between the red and yellow flags during designated patrol times. Police requested any information regarding the incident.

Search for Missing Surf Lifesaver Ends in Recovery on Sunshine Coast

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, a member of Surf Life Saving Queensland, disappeared after coming off a surfboard during a training session on Wednesday around 4:15 PM. He had entered the water alone at Warrana.

Search Operations and Conditions

  • Police and emergency services were alerted around 4:15 PM on Wednesday when the individual failed to return to shore at Buddina Beach, Pacific Blvd.
  • A large-scale, multi-agency search commenced, lasting over five hours before pausing at 9 PM and resuming on Thursday morning.
  • Extensive searches continued for three days, covering areas from Mooloolaba Spit to south of Kawana, and along the coastline from Buddina Beach to Point Cartwright.
  • Resources included PolAir, a helicopter, jet skis, inflatable dinghies, a police boat, police divers, Coastguard vessels, and the LifeFlight rescue helicopter. Surf lifesavers also assisted in the operation.
  • Search efforts faced challenging surf conditions and reduced visibility.

The individual was located deceased on Friday evening, around 6 PM.

Surf Life Saving Queensland's chief operating officer acknowledged the impact of the death on the surf lifesaving community and committed to providing welfare and peer support services.

A report will be prepared for the coroner. Police also requested any information related to the incident.