Man heard calling for help off Gold Coast boat ramp

A major air and sea search is being conducted for a man missing in the Gold Coast Broadwater. Yesterday evening, emergency services were alerted to the Boykambil Esplanade Boat Ramp at Hope Island after reports of the man yelling for assistance. The 55-year-old, who resides on a sailboat in the Broadwater, went missing while attempting to paddle his broken-down tinnie he had been repairing onto his sailing boat.

Somehow, he became separated from his boat and ended up in the water, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. The tinnie was discovered at Coombabah Creek later that evening. Police describe the man as a strong swimmer with no known medical issues, though he had suffered a severe foot injury from barnacles earlier in the day.

Authorities have been tirelessly searching the area since early this morning, with the search resuming at first light today. Search parties now include Marine Rescue Queensland crews, water police, the Polair aircraft, a rescue helicopter, and the police dive team.