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The official search has ended for three fishermen missing in Far North Queensland waters, police have confirmed.
However, family and friends have been scouring the coast while raising money for their own aerial and water searches.
The group of four workmates set out from Clump Point near Mission Beach for an overnight fishing trip on Friday, 15 July.
It’s believed their boat sank after encountering choppy waters.
One man, 36-year-old Tongan national Siosiua Asi, was spotted by a volunteer helicopter search team after spending around 30 hours in the water.
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He was taken to Innisfail Hospital suffering from hypothermia but has since been released.
His three companions were 24-year-old Danny Sheather, a local man and owner of the vessel, and two Vanuatu nationals – a 26-year-old and a 31-year-old.
Police say the first day of the major search operation alone spanned more than 30,000 square kilometres, with the area expanding over the ten-day effort.
The mammoth effort over land, sea and air has also involved SES officers, volunteers, special emergency response teams and coastguard vessels.
Acting Inspector Cassowary Coast Patrol Group, Brett Jenkins, said the outcome was heartbreaking for boaties’ families, the community and search party alike.
“Regrettably, despite the best efforts of all members of the search and rescue team, whose dedication was nothing short of commendable, we have been unable to locate the men,” Acting Inspector Jenkins said.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the men’s loved ones, who police remain in close contact with.
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“Boaties in particular are asked to report any debris or information to police.”
Skye Almond, cousin of missing local Danny Sheather, has launched a GoFundMe to support the family’s search effort.
Almost $5,500 has been raised.
“Police have scaled back their search so it’s now up to the family to find him,” she said.
“We are wanting to get boats and planes out as soon as possible.
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“Any help or donations to bring him home safe are desperately needed.
“Their journey home was from Eddy Reef to Clump Point.
“We are worried beyond words but also hopeful and positive.
“Anyone that knows Danny knows that the water is second nature to him.
“He knows his stuff better than anyone I know.”
You can donate to their GoFundMe fundraiser here.
Main points
- Police have ended their ten-day search for three missing fishermen
- Family members of the missing boaties are continuing to raise money for their own continued search
- One of the four fishermen, who was rescued after spending 30 hours in the ocean, has returned home from hospital
