Search for Missing Queensland Fisherman Suspended After Extensive Operation
The search for a Queensland father whose fishing boat was discovered floating empty at sea has been officially suspended, with friends and fellow club members describing the rescue efforts as extraordinary and comprehensive. Police announced on Monday they had called off the search for experienced Gold Coast fisherman Ash Haigh, aged 44, following days of intensive searching that yielded no results.
Community and Club Rally in Support
A dedicated member and former president of the Gold Coast Game Fishing Club, Haigh was well-known in the local fishing community. Club members actively participated in the search, expressing their admiration for the rescue operations. The Gold Coast Game Fish Club want to extend our support to Ash's family right at the moment and we ask that you all hope and pray for the safe return of our mate, the club stated on Sunday. Rest assured that the search efforts undertaken to date are nothing short of extraordinary.
Timeline of the Disappearance
The Hollywell local departed from the Gold Coast Seaway in his black half-cabin pleasure craft, The Grey Ghost, around 6.30am on Thursday, intending to fish for marlin. When he failed to return that evening, authorities were alerted, initiating searches of the surrounding areas and seaways. Radio contact attempts continued throughout the night.
Approximately 2am on Friday, his vessel was located 25 nautical miles southeast of the seaway with no one onboard. This discovery prompted an escalated rescue operation over the weekend, involving:
- A Challenger rescue plane dispatched from Cairns
- A jet deployed from Melbourne
- At least four search and rescue helicopters
- Eight boats participating in the search
The operation covered extensive areas, reaching as far south as Yamba in New South Wales.
Family Support and Community Response
A GoFundMe campaign established to support Haigh's wife, Jess, and their children has raised over $37,000 since its creation just a day ago. The fundraiser described Haigh as an incredible dad, a loving partner and just an all-round top bloke, highlighting his infectious laugh and great sense of humour. Losing Ash suddenly is unfathomable and we want Jess and the kids to not have the extra stress that comes with losing the main financial provider while they navigate this time, the appeal continued.
Critical Details and Investigation
Police revealed that a life jacket was missing from the boat, which contained three instead of the required four. This detail significantly increased Haigh's chances of survival had he been wearing it. On Saturday, an inactive Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered to Haigh was found 14 nautical miles off Ballina.
By Sunday, the operation transitioned into a recovery phase before being suspended at last light. Police have used both aerial and marine assets to search more than 1800sqnm from the Gold Coast seaway to Yamba across four days, however no further items or signs of life have been located, authorities stated. Officers continue to be in contact with the man's family who have been advised of this update.
Ongoing Investigation and Appeal
Investigators are now working to determine whether Haigh fell overboard or was pulled overboard by a marlin, which can weigh up to 200kg. Police continue to appeal to anyone with information regarding the man's location or welfare to come forward, they emphasised. The community remains hopeful for answers as the investigation continues.
