That sinking feeling as ghost boat discovered off Shire coast
Water safety
A ghost boat has been found sinking halfway between Low Isles and Batt Reef off Port Douglas.
No one was believed to have been on board the 8m sailing ship at the time it sank.
The boat was found at 10.10am on Saturday (July 26) by a tourism helicopter, with a boatie on the scene a short time later.
The vessel may have come adrift from moorings or anchor, as the mast was disabled and tied to the foredeck of the vessel, so the boat was not able to sail.
Two vessels from Marine Rescue Queensland (Port Douglas) joined the sea and air search on Saturday in case there were people on the sinking yacht.
The Rescue Vessel Port Douglas and the Rescue Vessel Mossman, crewed by qualified local volunteers, spent six hours doing “expanding square” searches to cover a large area around the stricken vessel. They were joined by a local boat in the search.
Cairns Water Police initiated the search and called in the rescue vessels and a rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. They called off the sea search at 3pm on Saturday after no-one was found and it became apparent that no-one had been aboard.
Water police are appealing for the owners, or anyone who recognises the vessel or has further information, to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersqld.com.au.
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