60-year-old, Adam Yunkaporta, missing after fishing trip west of Aurukun

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned the following may contain images of a deceased persons. Authorities will investigate whether a 60-year-old fisherman was taken by a crocodile or suffered a medical episode as the search for a man missing in remote Far North Queensland tragically enters the “recovery phase”.

‘Shocked’: Community saddened as search for missing Aurukun fisherman continues. Picture: Supplied.

Authorities will investigate whether a 60-year-old fisherman was taken by a crocodile or suffered a medical episode as the search for a man missing in remote Far North Queensland tragically enters the “recovery phase”.

Adam Yunkaporta has been missing in Aurukun, 800km from Cairns, since he was last seen on Thursday, January 30.

He was last known to have gone fishing at the convergence of the three rivers west of Aurukun.

A missing person poster distributed by Aurukun Shire Council stated there was no evidence of foul play.

It says it’s understood the 60-year-old could have suffered from a serious medical episode or been the victim of a crocodile attack.

Aurukun Shire Council made and distributed flyers in the town to keep locals updated. Statements in the flyer are not attributed to the Queensland Police. Picture: Supplied.

Authorities confirmed on Thursday morning the operation was being guided by “gathered intelligence” and established search and rescue techniques.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said a large number of locals, including police, SES volunteers, wildlife rangers, and community members, had been involved in the ongoing search efforts.

“Assets include police, SES volunteers, wildlife rangers, aerial support, and community members conducting foot patrols on land, and boats to search the river,” he said.

Search teams set out each day at 7am and continued until nightfall.

On February 5, police met with Aurukun Shire Council and Mr Yunkaporta’s immediate family to provide an update.

Shortly after, police informed up to 300 community members gathered at the council chambers the search had moved to a recovery phase.

Queensland police thanked the community for their assistance, but asked locals to avoid the boat ramp as the search continues.

“The search is continuing, locals are being urged to avoid the boat ramp as police and wildlife officers conduct searches of the river,” the spokesman said.

VIDEO: Fisherman missing near crocodile infested waters. Picture: QPS.

“Police, SES volunteers, wildlife rangers and community members are continuing to search for Adam Yunkaporta,” he said.

“Assets include foot patrols on land, boats to search the river and aerial support from drones and a helicopter.”

A spokesman from Aurukun Shire Council said they were assisting police with their operations.

“Aurukun Shire Council has temporarily closed the boat ramp to assist the police with their operation,” he said.

Some locals believe the “skilled fisherman” wasn’t taken by a crocodile.

A resident of the remote Indigenous community, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Cairns Post Mr Yunkaporta was known for leading a “routine life”.

Mr Yunkaporta was last seen leaving his home but it’s understood he went fishing near crocodile infested waters.

“It’s a small community out here and he is very loved, such a sweet soul. We’re all in shock to be honest,” the source said.

Teams aim to set out each day at 7am and continue until nightfall. Picture: QPS.

Mr Yunkaporta was last seen on Thursday after leaving his home at noon.

His sudden disappearance left the community extremely concerned for his welfare.

“Look, it’s highly unusual for a local Indigenous person to be taken by a crocodile,” the source said.

“He leads a fairly routine life, so it’s very unusual he would break from his routine.

“Adam is much loved by the community, and everyone is very concerned for his safety.”

A local fisherman missing near crocodile infested waters. Picture: QPS.

While authorities continue their search, some residents believe Mr Yunkaporta may have sought shelter in the swamps or nearby dwellings.

“He might be trapped in a dwelling or taking shelter from the rain,” the source continued.

“The locals know crocodiles are there and they don’t do silly things at the water’s edge. I would find it very unusual if he would have be taken.”

Police said they have based their extensive search effort on gathered intelligence.

Yet the conditions in the area remain challenging, with some describing the swamps as treacherous.

“It’s horrendous out there in the swamps,” the source added.

“There are people up here who are trackers, and I would say they are likely working with police.”

Search teams have been using drones, helicopters, and foot patrols to cover the area near the Aurukun boat ramp, focusing on the mouth of the Ward, Watson, and Archer Rivers. Picture: QPS.

At the time of his disappearance, Mr Yunkaporta was wearing black shorts and a blue fishing shirt with a barramundi image.

Anyone with additional information regarding Mr Yunkaport’s disappearance should contact Crime Stoppers.

Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Originally published as 60-year-old, Adam Yunkaporta, missing after fishing trip west of Aurukun