Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Search for Qld jetski rider continues
Police hope to find a missing Queensland man, whose jetski was found drifting off the Gold Coast, alive as a massive air and sea search continues.
December 30, 2019
Rescuers hope to bring a missing Queensland man, whose jetski was found drifting off the Gold Coast, “home alive” as a massive air and sea search continues.
A massive air and sea search continues for Anthony Scilperoort after his jetski was discovered about 1.30pm on Sunday.
It was found floating about 13km east of the Southport Seaway, police say.
“Tony is a 54-year-old semi-retired electrician who lives at Labrador,” Senior Sergeant Jay Notaro told reporters on Monday.
“Our priority is to find Tony and bring him home alive (however) his family are aware time is critical in these instances, so we’re putting every effort to locate him.”
Rescuers searched a 500-kilometre square area from Broad Beach to Pottsville until 1am before restarting the search at 5am.
Sen Sgt Notaro said water police found Mr Scilperoort’s belongings with the jetski “indicating he hasn’t left (it) by his own accord”.
CCTV footage showed Mr Scilperoort set off from the Muriel Henchman Drive boat ramp about 9am in near perfect conditions, where his vehicle and trailer were later found.
The jetski was in perfect condition and he was an experienced seaman and avid fisherman, who regularly wore a life jacket, Snr Sgt Notaro said.
He said Mr Scilperoort’s family was struggling with the news but “hold out hope”.
“As are we, we’re holding hope for his return,” he said.