In a devastating blow to a grieving family and the tight-knit Gold Coast fishing community, authorities have confirmed the grim discovery of a body believed to be that of 44-year-old Ashley “Ash” Haigh, the experienced game fisherman who vanished during a solo trip off Queensland’s coast. The remains were located approximately 40 kilometers west of where his unmanned vessel was first spotted adrift, ending days of frantic hope that the beloved husband, father, and renowned angler might still be found alive.
Haigh, a well-known figure in local marlin fishing circles, set out from Runaway Bay Marina on the Gold Coast early Thursday morning, February 5, 2026, aboard his black half-cabin pleasure craft. He was last seen heading into calm seas around 6:30 a.m., planning a routine day on the water chasing big game fish—a passion that had earned him respect and admiration among peers. When the boat failed to return by evening, alarm bells rang. His family reported him missing around 7 p.m., triggering an immediate large-scale search and rescue operation involving Queensland Police, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, helicopters, vessels, and volunteer marine groups.
The first chilling clue came just hours later. At about 2 a.m. on Friday, February 6, search teams located Haigh’s boat drifting unmanned more than 46 kilometers offshore from the Gold Coast Seaway, near Burleigh Heads. The vessel appeared intact, with no immediate signs of struggle or damage visible from initial inspections. However, key items were missing: a life jacket registered to Haigh and the boat’s keys, raising immediate fears of an accidental fall overboard or other mishap in the open water.
Despite the calm conditions reported that day—no storms, light winds, and good visibility—the absence of any distress call or activated emergency signals deepened the mystery. An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered to Haigh was recovered inactive about 25 kilometers (14 nautical miles) off Ballina in northern New South Wales waters on Saturday, February 7. The device, designed to transmit location in emergencies, showed no signs of activation, further complicating theories and shifting the operation from active rescue to grim recovery mode.
Over four intense days, search efforts covered more than 1,800 square nautical miles, stretching from the Gold Coast south to the Northern Rivers region, including areas around Byron Bay and Evans Head. Helicopters scanned from above, boats combed the surface, and divers prepared for underwater checks, but no further signs of life emerged. By Sunday, February 8, with no additional items or evidence of survival found, authorities officially transitioned the mission to recovery and eventually suspended active searching at last light, informing Haigh’s family of the heartbreaking decision.
The discovery of the body—reported in the waters roughly 40 kilometers west of the original boat position—came as authorities continued passive monitoring and follow-up patrols. While formal identification is pending through forensic processes, including dental records and DNA if necessary, sources close to the investigation indicate strong preliminary indications that the remains are those of the missing fisherman. The location aligns with prevailing currents and drift patterns that could have carried a person or object westward from the initial drift site, though exact circumstances surrounding Haigh’s disappearance remain under investigation.
Haigh leaves behind a devastated family, including his wife and children, who have been supported by the local community throughout the ordeal. Friends and fellow anglers described him as the “backbone” of the Gold Coast fishing scene—generous, skilled, and always willing to share tips on marlin hotspots or boat maintenance. A GoFundMe page quickly emerged to assist the family with costs during this unimaginable time, drawing donations from across the region as tributes poured in online and at marinas.
The tragedy has sent ripples through Australia’s boating and fishing communities, renewing calls for enhanced safety measures. Experts note that even experienced mariners face risks from sudden medical events, equipment failures, or simple slips overboard—especially solo. Haigh’s case highlights how quickly a routine outing can turn fatal, even on calm seas. Authorities have not ruled out foul play or other factors but emphasize that initial evidence points toward an accidental drowning or similar mishap, with no suspicious activity reported on the boat.
As formal confirmation awaits, the news has crushed hopes that had lingered despite the odds. Family members, who had clung to the possibility of a miracle amid the vast ocean search, now face the painful reality of closure without reunion. Haigh’s passion for the sea, which took him out that fateful morning, ultimately claimed him, leaving behind memories of a man who lived for the thrill of the catch and the camaraderie of the water.
The Gold Coast, a place where fishing is more than a hobby—it’s a way of life—mourns one of its own. Flags at marinas fly at half-mast, and boats pause in silent tribute as the community grapples with the loss. No miracle came this time, only the cold finality of the ocean giving back what it took.