Cross-border search called off after five days for missing fisherman

BY MITCHELL CRAIG

POLICE have suspended the search for missing Gold Coast fisherman Ash Haigh after almost five days, following an extensive air and sea operation that stretched into northern New South Wales.

Queensland Police confirmed the cross-border search was formally stood down on Sunday night after covering about 1,800 square nautical miles between the Gold Coast and Yamba, with no signs of life located.

Mr Haigh, 44, was reported missing about 7pm on Thursday, February 5, after failing to return to Runaway Bay Marina. His black half-cabin pleasure craft was found unmanned about 2am on Friday, roughly 50 kilometres south-east of the Gold Coast Seaway.

Police said the vessel was in good condition, with no immediate explanation as to why no one was on board. Two fishing rods were also missing from the boat.

Mr Haigh’s inactive emergency position-indicating radio beacon was later located about 25 kilometres south of Ballina on Saturday afternoon.

Marine Rescue NSW deployed multiple vessels along the Far North Coast, with crews from Point Danger, Brunswick Heads and Ballina assisting Queensland Water Police as part of the multi-agency operation.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said significant volunteer resources were committed to the search.

“Twelve volunteer crew members across three vessels searched extensive areas of northern New South Wales waters,” Inspector Murray said.

Crews searched offshore waters from Tweed Heads through to the Far North Coast, supported by volunteer radio operators coordinating communications between rescue vessels.

Police said the operation was scaled back to a recovery phase before being formally suspended.

In a statement, Mr Haigh’s sister Lauren Haigh described him as a “very loved” family man and thanked those involved in the search.

Queensland Police said the incident was not considered suspicious and urged anyone with information to contact authorities.