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A massive search operation has been launched to find a man whose unmanned boat was discovered, extending the search area from Queensland’s Gold Coast to Byron Bay in New South Wales.
The alarm was raised when a black half-cabin Pleasure Craft did not make its scheduled return to Runaway Bay Marina, shortly after 7 p.m. last night.
Authorities attempted to reach the vessel via radio communication. However, approximately seven hours later, the boat was found deserted, floating 25 nautical miles southeast of the seaway.
Acting Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray reported that the boat’s keys were located on a seat inside the vessel, but there was no sign of the man.
“We have been unable to locate his phone, although it’s believed to have been somewhere on the boat,” he informed reporters this afternoon.
“He may have it on him.”
Gray said there are believed to be four life jackets on board but only three were found.
“But the information source can’t 100 per cent confirm there was four so at this stage, we’re unaware,” he said.
“That’s the best case scenario and that will give him a better chance, if he is in the water with that life jacket on.” 
Gray said the search area had been expanded from the Gold Coast towards the Byron Bay area and favourable conditions were aiding search efforts.
“Our priority at the moment is just to continue searching for the man and we’ll continue through into the night and we’ll continue again tomorrow morning,” he said. 
“I’ve spoken with his wife multiple times today. It’s a very difficult time for them.” 
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