Media Release
Search for two missing men in Torres Strait
A search is being conducted in Torres Strait for two men missing since late Tuesday during a boating trip near Murray Island.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is coordinating an aerial search involving eight fixed wing aircraft and one helicopter across the north and north-east of Torres Strait for the men.
The pair, one about 60 years old and the other about 50 years, were last sighted at 4.15pm (EST) on Tuesday, about 15 nautical miles north-east of Murray Island. They were aboard a four-metre aluminium dinghy fitted with an outboard motor. The men were due to return to Murray Island late Tuesday.
A search involving four fixed wing aircraft and one helicopter was launched Wednesday afternoon and continued until last light. The search resumed at first light this morning, involving four fixed wing aircraft and two helicopters.
The search area, encompassing Murray Island, Yorke Island and Darnley Island, has been expanded to within 20 nautical miles of the Papua New Guinea coast, and PNG authorities have been contacted.
Weather conditions in the search area are currently good, with high visibility.Further information:
Adrian Rollins: 0400 016 845