Media Rleases

Search for gyrocopter pilot: debris located

A search helicopter has located the badly-damaged helmet of a missing gyrocopter pilot in the Burnett River north of the Queensland town of Gayndah.

The helmet was located downstream from an oil slick near a railway bridge 10 kms north-east of Gayndah at about 3.40pm (AEST). Debris from the aircraft, including a seat, has also been located near the bridge.

Police divers will be flown to the scene as it appears the source of the oil is underwater.

Eleven aircraft including 10 helicopters searched a 726 square nautical mile region around Gayndah, 70 kms west of Bundaberg today.

Missing dory boat located, fisherman missing

The search for a 49-year-old fisherman missing since Saturday afternoon is continuing after his dory boat was found upturned about 60 nautical miles north of Lockhart River in the Great Barrier Reef. The man was not with his vessel.

Seven fixed wing aircraft and a Customs Coastwatch helicopter searched for the fisherman today without a sighting.

A local cray fishing boat is expected to recover the overturned dory by last light tonight. The search will resume on Tuesday morning.

The weather in the area is poor with 3 metre seas and 25 knot winds.

Further information:

Ben Mitchell 0418 164 901

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