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Search efforts to find three boaties missing in Far North Queensland waters will be scaled back, police have confirmed this afternoon.
The group of four workmates set off on an overnight fishing beach from Clump Point near Mission Beach on Friday.
The alarm was raised after they failed to return Saturday afternoon as planned.
Police located and rescued one of the group – a 36-year-old Tongan national – on Sunday after he’d spent about 30 hours in the water.
After being found about 2 kilometres northeast of the Barnard Islands, he was taken to Innisfail Hospital with hypothermia.
He remains in a stable condition.
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A 24-year-old local, the owner of the vessel, and two Vanuatu nationals – a 26-year-old and a 31-year-old – remain missing.
Police believe their vessel encountered engine issues and sunk rapidly.
“Searching has included Queensland Police Service officers at Cowley Beach and SES volunteers on quad bikes from Liverpool Creek to northern most point of Cowley Beach,” a police spokesperson said.
“A sea, air and land search operation including helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and Volunteer Marine Rescue spanning their last known whereabouts has been unsuccessful.
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“Despite search efforts being scaled back, land and shoreline patrols will continue.
“Police have consulted other agencies about the status of the search and have kept family members briefed about the latest developments.
“Members of the community and boaties are being asked to report any debris or information to police.”
Main points
- Three fishermen remain missing off the Cassowary Coast after their boat sunk over the weekend
- One man was located after spending about 30 hours in the water
- It’s believed the trio attempted to swim to land near the Barnard Islands and Cowley Beach
