A fishing community is in a state of shock and grief as a renowned angler and father remains missing after a fishing trip off the east coast. Ashley Haigh, 44, was last seen setting out from The Spit on the Gold Coast just after 6:30 am on Thursday. His boat was found unmanned near Burleigh about seven hours later, and authorities are now searching for him. Haigh's friends and family are desperate for news, with one close friend describing him as the backbone of the local fishing community.
Haigh was an experienced fisherman, known for his skill and passion for the sport. He was on a mission to reel in a marlin, a challenging task even for seasoned anglers. He was also known to pack multiple fishing rods, but authorities only found one on board. One life jacket was missing, but it's unclear if he had been wearing it at the time.
The search for Haigh has expanded to the waters more than 170km away in northern NSW. Both NSW and Queensland authorities are involved, with five marine vessels and one aircraft scouring the waters. The current is a significant factor in the search, and crews are focusing their efforts on the waters more than 170km away in northern NSW.
The community is rallying together, with friends and family offering support and assistance in any way they can. Anyone with information about Haigh's location or welfare is urged to come forward. The search continues, and the community is hopeful that Haigh will be found safe and sound.
For those who want to stay informed, 9News is providing regular updates on the search and rescue efforts. Download the 9NEWS App to get breaking news and exclusive stories first. Make 9News your preferred source on Google, and sign up to our breaking newsletter to never miss a story.
