Yacht belonging to man who vanished after setting sail from Hervey Bay found floating empty in international waters

A yacht, belonging to a man who vanished while sailing south from Queensland’s Hervey Bay almost a month ago, has been found floating empty in international waters.

Eero Tiitinen was not onboard his 8.2m vessel when it was discovered approximately 177 nautical miles east off Coffs Harbour in international waters this morning.

Mr Tiitinen was last seen at the Hervey Bay Marina on November 17.

The keen sailor, along with his dog, was heading to Moreton Bay with a stop at Inskip Point on the way but he never arrived.

Coffs Harbour is approximately 450km south of his intended destination of Moreton Bay.

Mr Tiitinen’s failure to arrive at his intended destination triggered a large-scale sea and air search.

Water Police are now planning to tow his vessel back to shore where a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Anyone with further information about his disappearance or location should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.