Wreckage believed to be from missing vessel ‘Margrel’ has been located about 3km south-east of the Murray River mouth, South Australia Police said today.
The search for missing 57-year-old man, Tony Higgins, and his boat commenced on Tuesday after he went missing in waters off Granite Island. It was called off last night pending any further sightings or information.
Local Police and Water Operations Officers located the bow of the vessel and other debris just before 1pm today. The wreckage, along with other items believed to be from the boat, have been recovered and will be examined.
Mr Higgins is yet to be found.
A bag containing the man’s wallet and keys were found washed up at Goolwa Beach about 3kms up from the Murray Mouth on Wednesday afternoon by a member of the public, along with a broom and drums.
A local commercial fisherman had located a number of items of debris from the missing boat washed ashore several kilometres south-east from the Murray Mouth about 6.30am that same day.
The search for Mr Higgins has included the assistance of Sea Rescue volunteers, the police helicopter (PolAir) and fixed wing aircraft, and a Challenger aircraft provided by AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) using infrared radar equipment.
Extensive search efforts covering an area in excess of 500 square kilometres failed to locate the vessel or Mr Higgins.
Anyone who finds any debris along the coastline is asked contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
