Trent Riley’s family joins search for Jordan Kelly, 26, missing in Moreton Bay

The family of a boatie who disappeared in Moreton Bay six weeks ago have joined the desperate search for Jordan Kelly, who went missing on Saturday while paddling a surf ski.

The family of Trent Riley, who went missing off the shores of Moreton Bay six weeks ago, have joined the desperate search for another missing surf skier - Jordan Kelly.

Mr Riley’s brother, Shannon, arrived on the island to help in the search as soon as he could, saying they knew the heartbreak of a loved one going missing after his boatie brother disappeared in nearby waters on April 14 and has not been seen since.

Jordan Kelly’s ski boat has been located in waters off North Stradbroke Island as the search for the missing 26-year-old continues today.

Mr Kelly is still missing about 46 hours after he set off with his mate Jack McDonald, 28, on what should have been a two-hour journey for the pair of competitive surf skiers.

Jordan Kelly has been identified as the man missing in Moreton Bay, believed to be lost at sea.

Mr McDonald made it back to Amity Point at 8pm on Saturday without his mate.

He was treated for hypothermia and received stitches for a split lip.

“As soon as we heard the news it struck a chord with us, pacing around the house, we couldn’t just sit around and do nothing,” said Mr Riley.

“We went through it, we basically experienced this so we’re the ones who can help out the most with the community search.”

Mr Riley said sharing his experience with volunteers gave them the opportunity for the best possible outcome of finding Mr Kelly.

“As with Trent, even if there’s a 1 per cent chance you’ve got to try,” he said.

“The community response has been huge, everyone is willing to help, it really opens up everyone’s hearts to saving a young man’s life.”

Trent Riley went missing in Moreton Bay on April 14 and has not been seen since.

He said Mr Kelly’s family was welcome to reach out to him for support, as his family was “a chapter ahead” following an incident of similar circumstances.

Police and marine rescue crafts have been searching for Mr Kelly along the North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Bay coastline since 6am today.

Straddie Search

It comes after Mr Kelly’s surf ski was found on the shores of Moreton Bay this morning.

About a dozen volunteers have come out to scour the land for any hint leading to Mr Kelly’s whereabouts.

Many of the volunteers were also involved in the search for Mr Riley six weeks ago

Mr Kelly’s family today arrived at North Stradbroke Island to help police and a large group of friends in the search.

On Sunday, authorities located Mr Kelly’s abandoned surf ski in the water. His fibreglass paddle is yet to be found.

Police have narrowed their search using coordinates from the GPS tracking watch Mr McDonald was wearing.

Jordan Kelly's sister Danielle Brittain speaks to police as the search for her brother unfolds in waters off North Stradbroke Island. Picture: Liam Kidston

Queensland Police Service Senior Sergeant Mitch Gray said neither men were wearing life jackets.

Straddie Search

Snr Sgnt Gray said the search would continue until Thursday when police would reassess.

On Sunday, Mr Kelly’s friends huddled together and watched the sun set over Amity Point — the same location the group’s mate Jack McDonald miraculously emerged from cold, shark-infested waters on Saturday evening prior.

Search crew assembled at Amity Point on Monday morning.

Mr McDonald himself joined the desperate search on Sunday for his missing mate — whose heartbroken girlfriend of seven years Rachel Mackenzie awaited news from police, while his sister Danielle Brittain arrived on the first available flight from New Zealand.

The Coast Guard searching for a missing kayaker off Amity Point, North Stradbroke Island. Picture: Liam Kidston

One holiday maker recalled the moment he saw Mr McDonald approach land.

“We were here when they found the guy,” said Vishal Rajendraprasad, who had only come to Stradbroke for a weekend of fishing.

“(Miss Mackenzie) was asking him where the other guy is and asking police what to do.

“It was really emotional and sad to watch.”

The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Heli Service took part in the search for the missing surf skier. The aerial search has since been called off. Picture: Surf Life Saving Queensland

The rest of Mr Kelly’s concerned family were expected to arrive intermittently from New Zealand to join the search.

Queensland Police Service Acting Senior Sergeant Mitch Gray said Mr Kelly and Mr McDonald became separated when one of the skis took in water.

He said the pair had tried to help each other stay afloat before rough conditions became too hard to battle and separated the duo.

Snr Sgt Gray said the conditions for searching were hazardous however crews were doing everything they could with all available resources

“We have over 16 vessels (yesterday), eight aircraft have flown over 440 square nautical miles of ocean,” Sen Sgt Gray said.

“As time goes on certainly we become more and more concerned we aren’t going to have a happy ending to this scenario.”

A 28-year-old was located last night but the other man, a 26-year-old, is still missing. Picture: Surf Life Saving Queensland

Supporters of missing Brisbane boatie Trent Riley, who has been missing since April 14 when his boat was found in Moreton Bay, also rallied to assist with the search via the Be Like Trent Facebook group.

Snr Sgt Gray said Mr Kelly was a young fit man and the police were doing everything they could to help bring him home.

The search for Mr Kelly will continue tomorrow morning and go for the next two days.