A major search operation on the Gold Coast has ended in tragedy after police recovered the body of a missing 55-year-old man early this morning.
The man, who resided on a sailboat in the Broadwater, went missing yesterday evening while attempting to return to his vessel. Emergency services were first alerted to the situation at approximately 7:00pm yesterday after witnesses reported hearing a person yelling for help near the Boykambil Esplanade Boat Ramp at Hope Island.
According to authorities, the man had been attempting to navigate a small “tinnie” back to his larger sailboat, which was anchored less than 50 metres from the shore. It is believed he fell overboard during the transit.
A multi-agency rescue effort involving water police, Marine Rescue Queensland, Maritime Safety Queensland, Surf Life Saving units, and aerial support commenced immediately. The search continued through the night and resumed at first light this morning. At 8:45am, police located the man’s body at the mouth of Saltwater Creek, approximately 800 metres south of where he was last heard. His small boat had been located several kilometres downstream near Coombabah Creek late last night.
Acting Inspector Peter Venz addressed the media following the discovery, noting that weather conditions at the time of the incident were hazardous.
“In a small tinnie, that’s quite extreme conditions to be out in the water,” Acting Inspector Venz said, citing strong 25-knot winds and a high tide. “Those two factors alone would have made it extremely difficult and tiring for that gentleman to manually pull himself back to his own vessel.”
While the man was reportedly a strong swimmer with no underlying medical conditions, police noted he had sustained a significant injury to his foot from barnacles earlier in the day, which may have further hampered his efforts. Police confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
The man’s family, who had bravely joined the search effort on their own jet skis, were described by police as being in a state of shock.
“They started the day with hope in their hearts that he would be located… now they’ve received the tragic news that their loved one won’t be coming home tonight,” Acting Inspector Venz said. “They are very grateful for all the rescuers that were involved, so that at least their loved one was located and they can have some closure.”
In the wake of the tragedy, police have issued a stern reminder to the boating community regarding safety protocols.
“Be aware of the conditions, let people know where you are going, and wear a life safety vest when you’re out on the boat,” Inspector Venz urged.
Police will now prepare a report for the coroner.
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