“Extensive and thorough” search continues for missing man at Boondooma Dam

A Fraser Coast man is missing after the boat he was travelling in was found abandoned in the South Burnett region with a desperate search now under way. VIDEO

A desperate search for a Fraser Coast man reported missing in the South Burnett region on Thursday is on its second day.

The 74-year-old man was reported missing at Boondooma Dam, Proston, after an inflatable dinghy was located abandoned near the dam’s shoreline on Thursday morning.

Police believe the man, whose identity has not been released, went from the main camping area to a spot called Little Cove, where he likely entered the water on a rubber dingy around 5.15am, just before daylight.

He reportedly had plans to go fishing, and took a number of yabby and crab pots with him.

The man was last seen on the vessel around 5.45am.

Vision: Search and Rescue, Boondooma Dam, Proston (South Burnett) Missing Fraser Coast man, 74-years-old. June 27, 2025.

A few hours later, around 9.15am, the boat was found with the motor running and no sign of the him.

Police began their search of the area later on Thursday morning.

A broad search of the dam’s shoreline is being conducted, with police divers and water police searching the water using sonar and an aerial search is being conducted using remotely piloted vehicles.

In a media conference on Friday, Inspector Scott Stahlhut from the South Burnett Patrol Group said they are keeping their options open and searching the surrounding area, as well as the water.

“We’re not just focusing on the water,” he said.

“There is a chance that this gentleman may have made it to shore, but I can’t provide any commentary on that.

“So, we’re keeping our options open and we’re hoping for the best outcome.”

A desperate search for a man continues after the inflatable dinghy he was travelling in was found abandoned near Boondooma Dam. Image: Google Maps.

SES and SunWater, who manages the dam, are also assisting in the search effort.

Police will continue searching as long as they can during daylight hours, and will recommence the search “with vigour” on Saturday morning, unless the man is found later today.

Locals and visitors to the dam have been assisting police in the search using their own vessels.

According to Inspector Stahlhut, the search area is “very large” and the area is “fairly rugged”, with a lot of coves and other features that make the search more difficult.

Inspector Stahlhut said the conditions are “not favourable” for someone to be in water or outdoors for long periods, as the water temperature measured around 13 to 15 degrees and the air temperature dropped to around two degrees during the night and in the early hours of the morning.

The Fraser Coast man was reportedly familiar with the area and has frequented the Boondooma Dam on previous occasions.

The Fraser Coast man was reportedly familiar with the area and has frequented the dam on previous occasions.

Inspector Stahlhut said the man’s partner was also in the area, although not with him at the dam, and his son has travelled to the South Burnett and is working with police and the other agencies.

Police do not suspect foul play.

The man was last seen wearing a blue jacket and dark coloured pants.