Search for missing fisherman Ashley Haigh enters ‘recovery phase’ as EPIRB device located
An inactive security device was located during the search for missing fisherman Ashley Haigh.
The 44-year-old experienced game fisherman was reported missing on Thursday night after he failed to return from a fishing trip off the Gold Coast.
His boat was 46km offshore at around 2am on Friday morning, and ongoing searches to find the father in Queensland continued into the weekend.
On Sunday afternoon the Queensland Police Service revealed an Emergency Location approximately 25km from Ballina, a town in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, indicating that the Radio Beacon registered to Mr Haigh was inactive on Saturday.
“Yesterday afternoon, February 7, the inactive Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered to the missing man was detected 14 nautical miles off Ballina, but no other items or signs of life were located,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“The search and rescue operation has now moved into the recovery phase and officers remain in contact with the man’s family.”
Four ships and an aircraft were involved in the search in a large area between Point Danger and Yamba in NSW on Sunday.
A GoFundMe set up on Sunday has raised more than $15,000 to support Mr Haigh’s family. “We are raising funds on behalf of Jess and her family to ease their minds during this very difficult time,” organizer Amber Scherrenberg said.
“Ash, a very experienced game fisherman, was out on Thursday to enjoy a day on the water and intended to join his family for dinner that night.
“Unfortunately he did not come home and after an exhausting search he could not be located.”
Mr Haigh was described at the fundraiser as a pillar of the fishing club, an incredible father and a loving partner.
“We know that everyone who comes into contact with him will remember his infectious laugh, great sense of humor and have many good memories to share,” Ms. Scherrenberg wrote.
“Losing Ash suddenly is incomprehensible and we want Jess and the children to not have to go through the extra stress of losing their main financier as we move forward through this time.”
Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon, Acting Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray said Mr Haigh’s boat was found in “generally good condition” and there was uncertainty as to whether his lifejacket was missing.
“I’ve spoken to his wife many times today; this is a very difficult time for them,” he said.
Police continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
