Man dies after boat sinks near port douglas 20230612 p5ysnp.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Man dies, two rescued after small dinghy overturns in rough seas near Port Douglas

Emily McPherson and Allanah Sciberras

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A man has died and two people have been rescued after their small boat capsized in rough seas near Port Douglas in Far North Queensland last night.

Queensland Police Sergeant Andrew Ibell said the group of three men had been fishing when their 4.3-metre aluminium dinghy overturned.

Emergency services were alerted after they received calls for help at about 10pm near Double Island. 

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Queensland Police Sergeant Andrew Ibell said the group of three men had been fishing at the time. Queensland Police

A search and rescue was launched by Cairns Water Police, along with an aerial search.

"The initial information we have is the vessel capsized in rough seas and the men remained with that vessel until they were rescued," Ibell said.

"Subsequent checks of mobile phone data indicated the position was more likely to be out in the vicinity of Batt Reef."

Police found an overturned boat at about 12.45am this morning and rescued a 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old man from the water.

The body of a 54-year-old man from Napranum was recovered.

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Police have launched an investigation into the accident.

Meanwhile, authorities have called off a search for a 68-year-old woman who was reported missing after a separate capsizing incident in the Torres Strait.

The woman went missing when her vessel overturned near Mabuiag Island on Thursday.

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