Marine Rescue NSW commits multiple resources to search for missing Gold Coast boater

Three Marine Rescue NSW vessels from the Point Danger, Brunswick and Ballina units were deployed earlier this morning (Saturday 7 February) to assist QLD Water Police in the search for a missing boater, after an overdue vessel was located off the Gold Coast with no one on board in the early hours of yesterday morning (Friday 6 February).

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said Marine Rescue NSW has committed multiple resources to the effort, with 12 volunteer crew members across three vessels covering an extensive search area that is now focussing on northern NSW waters.

“Marine Rescue NSW vessels Point Danger 31, Brunswick 30 and Ballina 30 resumed the multi-agency search at 6.30 am AEDT.

“Point Danger 31 is conducting a parallel line search offshore alongside Marine Rescue Queensland and QLD Water Police. Crews are searching waters from Tweed Heads to just north of Evans Head,” he said.

“Marine Rescue Brunswick volunteers are searching an area eight nautical miles (15 km) off Brunswick Heads, while volunteers on board Marine Rescue NSW vessel Ballina 30 are performing an east-to-west search off Ballina,” Inspector Murray said.

“Conditions are favourable offshore across the search area.

“There are 20 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and staff assisting the search, with volunteer radio operators from the Point Danger, Brunswick and Ballina units managing communications with our rescue vessels.

“Marine Rescue NSW will continue supporting QLD Water Police throughout the day,” he said.