Air and sea search to resume for missing 65-year-old Queensland sailor

An air and sea search will resume today for a Queensland man who went missing from Hervey Bay, in the state’s southeast, a week ago.

Keith Jones, 65, is believed to have left Hervey Bay Marina last Wednesday and has not been seen or heard from since.

Around 3pm yesterday, his 34-foot Manitou Ketch sail boat was found washed up near the river mouth at Iluka, near Yamba on the NSW north coast yesterday – more than 550km away from Hervey Bay.

"Roads and Maritime Services officers boarded the yacht and established there was no one on board; they towed the vessel to Yamba where Marine Area Command officers established a crime scene," a NSW Police statement said.

"Police have confirmed the yacht is the 'Wayfarer' which is believed to have left Hervey Bay in Queensland on Wednesday 14 February, 2018 with the 65-year-old owner on board.

"The man was reported missing to Queensland Police on Monday 19 February 2018, and an extensive search was conducted, without success."

The search, which included two helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft, was ultimately suspended and will continue today.

Police also issued a call for public assistance, claiming the man’s behaviour - in not alerting anyone as to where he may have been travelling – is out of character.

"The Marine Area Command are continuing to investigate with assistance from Queensland Water Police," the police statement said.

"Police are calling for information in relation to any public sightings of the yacht “Wayfarer” between Tweed Heads and Illuka, on Monday 19 or Tuesday 20 February 2018, please call Crime Stoppers in 1800 333 000."