🎣 Missing Fisherman Search Suspended, Boat Found

The extensive search for a 56-year-old fisherman, missing from Batemans Bay, has been suspended after his empty vessel was located off the South Coast. Emergency services were initially alerted on Saturday, July 19, 2025, after the man failed to return from a day-long fishing trip.

Police were informed the fisherman had departed Batemans Bay Marina at approximately 6am in an 8-metre Arvor cruiser. After contact at 10am, he failed to return, prompting an alert to emergency services around 7:20pm that evening.

Marine Area Command (MAC) promptly initiated a search operation, with support from South Coast Police District, Marine Rescue NSW, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The search area was significantly expanded, reaching as far north as Port Stephens and south to the Victorian border, as authorities diligently scoured the coastline and waters.

The vessel was eventually located by AMSA’s Challenger aircraft today, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, around 1:20pm, approximately 80 nautical miles east of Narooma. Critically, no one was found on board the boat. Commercial fishing vessels in the vicinity assisted in securing the boat amidst challenging conditions, and it is now being towed ashore.

Despite the recovery of the boat, the search for the missing fisherman has been suspended. Marine Area Command will continue to conduct patrols in the coming days as inquiries into the incident continue.