Emergency services continue in search and rescue for missing Aurukun man
Rescue efforts for a fisherman missing near crocodile infested waters in remote Far North Queensland has entered its third day as police releasing footage of the rescue efforts. WATCH VIDEO HERE.
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Rescue efforts for a fisherman missing near crocodile infested waters at Aurukun, 826km northwest of Cairns, has entered its third day.
A group of 25 people, including police and community volunteers, set out at 7am Monday desperately searching for Adam Yunkaporta, 60.
Mr Yunkaporta was first reported missing on Saturday with Far North police, State Emergency Service (SES) and community members contributing to the search efforts.
The search resumed on Sunday with police and community volunteers conducting foot patrols near the Aurukun boat ramp in both the north and south areas.
A Queensland Police spokesman said search efforts have be carried out from 7am each day until nightfall.
Drones and helicopters have also been used during the patrols.
“Authorities plan to head out each day 7am and we basically keep going until nightfall,” the spokeswoman said.
Mr Yunkaporta, a First Nations man with brown eyes and short dark hair, was last seen leaving his home about noon on Thursday, January 30.
He is believed to have gone fishing at the mouth of the Ward, Watson, and Archer Rivers.
Police have since released vision of the ongoing search for the 60-year-old.
“Assets include foot patrols on land, boats to search the river and aerial support from drones and a helicopter,” the Queensland spokeswoman said.
The three rivers meet west of the town of Aurukun, a remote community in Western Cape York.
At the time of his disappearance, Mr Yunkaporta was wearing black shorts and a blue fishing shirt with a barramundi image.
Authorities are asking anyone with information or who may have seen Mr Yunkaporta in the area to contact police.
Police, State and Emergency Service volunteers, aerial assets including a helicopter and drone, and a wildlife ranger have deployed to the region to assist in search efforts.
The last fatal crocodile attack in Far North Queensland was in August 2024 when NSW doctor, David Hogbin, 40, was tragically taken by a 4.9m crocodile near Cooktown.
It followed the death of Kevin Darmody in May 2023, who was taken and killed by a crocodile while fishing in Lakefield National Park.
Anyone with information regarding Mr Yunkaport’s disappearance should contact Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
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