In the meandering waters of Queensland’s Fitzroy River, a solemn conclusion was reached following an expansive search for a man whose fishing trip ended in unforeseen tragedy. The Queensland Police confirmed the discovery of a body believed to belong to a man in his 70s who had ominously vanished on Tuesday. A process of formal identification is currently taking place as authorities prepare to submit a detailed report to the coroner.
The man, along with two fellow anglers, embarked on their usual fishing jaunt on their 5.3m tinnie within the serene expanse of The Narrows, a region of Fitzroy River nestled within the picturesque surroundings of Keppel Bay. But when their vessel didn’t make its expected return by 6pm to Yeppoon, worried family members alerted the emergency services.
Anecdotal accounts suggest that while fishing, a sudden disaster tipped them into the water as their boat sank. Desperate to stay afloat, the men clung on to each other. But in the chaos of the situation, the elderly man got separated.
In response to the grave situation, an extensive search spearheaded by the RACQ LifeFlight rescue helicopter team located two of the men on a nearby beach at the plaintive hour of 3.10am on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the absence of an EPIRB or distress signal cumulated in a daunting task for the rescuers within the oppressive darkness.
Upon sighting an isolated fire on a Keppel Bay island, the helicopter made a decisive landing to discover the two survivors who had battled the waves to reach safety. Their condition, though alarming due to dehydration and distress, was found to be non-critical after a swift medical evaluation.
The pair were promptly airlifted to Rockhampton Hospital where they stabilized as per Queensland Ambulance Service. Meanwhile, the relentless mission to locate the third man pushed on with the combined efforts of Queensland Police and the LifeFlight Rescue.
Even as the helicopter crew persisted in its low-altitude sweeps across the coastline without any positive outcome, the distinct allure of The Narrows wasn’t lost. Known for its thriving fish population, this northern outlet of Gladstone Harbour separates Curtis Island from the mainland, further linking to Keppel Bay at the mouth of the Fitzroy River. Yet, in this local fishing haven, today’s quiet ripples carried an echo of a desperate struggle and a haunting mystery.
