The desperate search for an experienced missing fisherman and father has been suspended by police, as loved ones raise funds to support his family.
Ashleigh Haigh, 44, was reported missing on Thursday night after he failed to return from a trip off the Gold Coast.
His empty black half-cabin pleasure craft was found 46km offshore at about 2am on Friday.
A day later, an inactive Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was discovered about 25km off Ballina on Saturday.
But on Sunday morning, police confirmed that the search and rescue operation had shifted to a recovery phase before efforts were suspended last night.
No further items or signs of life have been found despite police scouring more than 1,800 square nautical miles over four days – from the Gold Coast to the Northern Rivers region in NSW.
Mr Haigh is a former president and current member of the Gold Coast Game Fish Club, which is supporting his loved ones during this difficult time.
It is understood numerous members have joined the hunt for the missing fisherman.
Friends of Mr Haigh launched a GoFundMe to help ease the minds of his wife, Jess, and the family as they navigate this difficult period, raising more than $25,000 in 24 hours.
‘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 said.
‘Unfortunately he has not come home and has not been able to be located after an exhausting search.
‘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.
‘Losing Ash suddenly is unfathomable and we want Jess and the kids to not have the extra stress that comes with losing the main financial provider while they navigate this time.’
Police said officers continue to be in contact with the man’s family, who have been advised that the search has been suspended.
Acting Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray told reporters on Saturday that Mr Haigh’s boat was found ‘generally in good condition’.
‘He had a lot of marine experience,’ he said.
‘The water conditions yesterday were ideal… The boat itself is generally in good condition, there is some water in the hull, but further examination will take place.’
Act Snr Sgt Gray said the keys to the boat were on a seat inside and that only three of the four lifejackets on board had been located.
‘But the information source can’t 100 per cent confirm there were 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 lifejacket on.
‘His phone, we haven’t been able to locate, but it’s believed it was in the boat somewhere. He may have it on him.
‘I’ve spoken with his wife multiple times today – it’s a very difficult time for them.’
Data from FlightAware showed a rescue plane leaving Melbourne just before midnight on Friday and circling the area of the unmanned boat for about five hours.
Marine Rescue NSW then confirmed on Sunday that crews had been focusing on waters from the Tweed to Yamba.
Police continue to appeal to anyone with information regarding the man’s location or welfare to come forward.