Search for Missing Gold Coast Fisherman Suspended After Extensive Efforts
The desperate search for an experienced missing fisherman and father has been officially suspended by police, as loved ones rally to raise funds to support his grieving family. Ashleigh Haigh, 44, was reported missing on Thursday night after he failed to return from a solo fishing trip off the Gold Coast coastline.
Discovery of Empty Boat and Inactive Beacon
His empty black half-cabin pleasure craft was discovered approximately 46 kilometres offshore in the early hours of Friday morning, around 2am. A day later, search teams located an inactive Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) about 25 kilometres off Ballina on Saturday.
By Sunday morning, authorities confirmed that the search and rescue operation had shifted to a recovery phase before efforts were ultimately suspended later that evening. Despite police scouring more than 1,800 square nautical miles over four intensive days - covering waters from the Gold Coast to the Northern Rivers region in New South Wales - no further items or signs of life have been found.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
Mr Haigh is a former president and current active member of the Gold Coast Game Fish Club, which has been providing crucial support to his loved ones during this devastating period. Numerous club members reportedly joined the extensive search for their missing colleague.
Friends of Mr Haigh launched a GoFundMe campaign to help ease the burden on his wife, Jess, and their children as they navigate this unimaginable situation. The fundraiser has already raised more than $25,000 within just 24 hours, demonstrating the community's overwhelming support.
'Ash, a very experienced game fisher, went out on Thursday to enjoy a day on the water, with all intentions of joining his family for dinner that night,' the fundraiser statement explained. 'Unfortunately he has not come home and has not been able to be located after an exhausting search.'
The tribute continued: 'Ash was a pillar in his fishing club, he was an incredible dad, a loving partner and just an all-round top bloke. We know that everyone who has ever come in contact with him will remember his infectious laugh, great sense of humour and have so many good times to share.'
Police Investigation Details
Acting Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray provided reporters with updates on Saturday, noting that Mr Haigh's boat was found 'generally in good condition' despite some water in the hull. He emphasized that the experienced fisherman had substantial marine knowledge and that water conditions had been ideal during his planned trip.
'The keys to the boat were on a seat inside and that only three of the four lifejackets on board had been located,' Acting Snr Sgt Gray explained. 'But the information source can't 100 per cent confirm there were four, so at this stage we're unaware. That's the best-case scenario and that will give him a better chance if he is in the water with that lifejacket on.'
Authorities confirmed they have been unable to locate Mr Haigh's mobile phone, though it is believed to have been somewhere on the boat or possibly with him.
Extensive Search Operations
Data from FlightAware revealed that a rescue plane departed Melbourne just before midnight on Friday and circled the area of the unmanned vessel for approximately five hours. Marine Rescue NSW confirmed on Sunday that crews had been focusing their efforts on waters stretching from the Tweed region to Yamba.
Police maintain regular contact with Mr Haigh's family, who have been formally advised about the suspension of search operations. Authorities continue to appeal to anyone with information regarding the fisherman's location or welfare to come forward immediately.
