Urgent search underway for missing paddler after unmanned canoe found near Qld’s Thursday Island

An urgent search for a missing paddler is underway after his unmanned canoe was found floating in the ocean.

A search and rescue operation is underway for a missing paddler after his unmanned canoe was found floating in the waters off the tip of Australia.

The 38-year-old was last seen paddling the canoe in a channel between Horn and Thursday Island about 3.45pm on Wednesday.

A search is underway in seas off the Tip of Australia after a canoe was found floating off the shore. Picture: Google Maps

Seven hours later, the canoe was discovered and water police immediately began a search of the water.

Local aerial assets, including a QG Air helicopter joined the search, which extended to nearby islands in the Torres Strait.

A man was last seen canoeing through a channel between two Torres Strait Islands. Picture: Google Maps

Torres Strait Patrol Group Acting Inspector Andrew Pool praised the community, businesses and government agencies who banded together to search find the man.

“Since the alarm was raised, the resourcefulness of the people here has shone through. I want to thank everyone who has come forward to assist in the search,” Inspector Pool said.

“Every effort possible is being made to find this man and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and fellow islanders.”

More to come.

Originally published as Urgent search underway for missing paddler after unmanned canoe found near Qld’s Thursday Island