Qld: Searchers find kayak but no sign of missing trawler skipper

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2009
Qld: Searchers find kayak but no sign of missing trawler skipper

BRISBANE, April 23 AAP - Ships sailing into and out of Mackay have been asked to keep
a lookout overnight for a trawler skipper missing after going for a paddle with a crewman.

The men anchored the trawler off Cole Reef, 60 nautical miles from Mackay, and took
the kayak out for a short excursion on Wednesday.

They were swamped just 100m from the trawler.

The crewman swam to the boat, and raised the alarm when the 30-year-old skipper didn't
make it back.

Their kayak was found on Thursday morning, about 15km from the trawler.

A search involving six fixed-wing aircraft, four helicopters, and a Volunteer Marine
Rescue boat was called off in fading light on Thursday.

A spokeswoman for Queensland police said a further search would start on Friday at first light.

"If he's not located they'll reassess the situation," she said.

Leonie Hansen from the RACQ Central Queensland Rescue Helicopter said the kayak, when
found, appeared to be undamaged and still had a paddle attached to it.

"It was found near Stevens Reef which is around 15 kilometres from the trawler," she said.

AAP stg/ht

KEYWORD: KAYAK WRAP

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