Search called off for missing spear fisherman Torrance Sambo

A family member of the missing spear fisherman has broken her silence to clarify an important detail as police called off the search, leaving investigators to query whether the 26-year-old could have been taken by a shark.

LATEST: THE family of a missing spear fisherman have vowed to keep searching for the 26-year-old despite police calling their ­efforts off.

The partner of missing 26-year-old spear fisherman Torrance Sambo says she was “puzzled” by the police statement which reported family were consulted before calling the search off.

Jasmine Brown who shares two young children with Mr Sambo said the search for her partner would “never be over” and that the police statement issued midday Tuesday was “misleading”.

“We don’t know which family members they consulted,” Ms Brown, who lives with Mr Sambo’s mother said.

Queensland Police have been contacted for confirmation on which of Mr Sambo’s family members were consulted.

“We’re still hoping for the best, the plan is to just search and search,” Ms Brown said.

“(All the family members) are still hopeful, some sadness of course but they will never give up.

“Our search isn’t over and will never be over.”

Ms Brown said she thanked the Far Northern community for its support and help and asked “everyone just keep praying for ‘Torry’.”

TUESDAY: The search for a missing spear fisherman off the coast of Cairns has been called off as investigators query whether the 26-year-old could have been taken by a shark.

At 2pm on Monday the search for missing Edmonton man, Torrance Sambo was called off in good weather near Sudbury Reef.

Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Matt Cornish said search vessels conducted an extensive search covering more than 135 sq/km.

“Obviously as time goes on the chance of survivability decreases dramatically,” he said.

“Police make the decision to suspend the search and rescue mission for this man.

“The decision was made by the State Search and Rescue Co-ordinator along with police officers, medical experts and the family, as well.”

Snr Sgt Cornish said detectives conducting an investigation into the disappearance would be looking at the possibility Mr Sambo could have been taken by a shark.

“They have not ruled that out at this stage and they will be looking at any piece of evidence available to find out what happened to this man, to be able to give family and friends closure,” he said.

Snr Sgt Cornish said items including flippers found on the ocean floor have been identified as possessions belonging to Mr Sambo.

A search for missing spearfisherman Torrance Sambo has been called off. PHOTO: Queensland Police

MONDAY: Police say a number of items have been discovered during the search for a spear fisherman who vanished during a dive off the Cairns coast.

The 26-year-old man, Torrance Sambo, became separated from his 56-year-old fishing companion and failed to return to the boat at 4.15pm Saturday.

Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Matt Cornish said the items were currently being assessed to confirm whether they are linked to the investigation.

“The items were located on the ocean floor near where the boat was,” he said.

“Police divers did locate them.

He said the search would continue until sundown Monday and was expected to resume on Tuesday.

“We will continue with this search and rescue to provide closure or answers for the family moving forward,” he said.

A number of private boats crewed by members of the public have also joined the search after distressed family and friends put call-outs on social media.

Police search for a missing spearfisherman off the Cairns coast. SOURCE: Cairns Police

EARLIER: A search effort has resumed for a missing spear fisherman who disappeared following a dive near Sudbury Reef off the Cairns coast.

The 26-year-old man became separated from his 56-year-old fishing companion and failed to return to the boat at 4.15pm Saturday.

Police have now confirmed how their desperate hunt for the vanished diver will play out today.

“The aerial and surface search, including four helicopters and numerous vessels will continue from first light this morning,” a Queensland Police spokesman said.

Cairns Water Police searched with the assistance of the rescue helicopter and Coast Guard on the weekend but the man was not located.

The search was expected to stop at last light on Sunday and continue Monday morning.

Divers will continue searching the sea bed with helicopters and vessels combing the area.

Far North District duty officer Senior Sergeant Gregory Miles said several vessels conducted a search over a 47 square nautical mile area on Sunday.

“Police divers arrived from Brisbane and have done a dive this afternoon and will continue to search in the morning,” he said.

“A decision will be made (Monday) about how long the search will continue.”

The Water Police Vessel, the Perry Irwin remained in the area overnight and a Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed the Rescue 510 helicopter along with three other helicopters, water police and the Cairns Volunteer Coast Guard were involved in the search efforts.

On Sunday, a plea by the missing man’s sister on social media for boaties to keep an eye out for him attracted hundreds of comments of support and hope.

The missing 26-year-old was seen at Sudbury Reef near Fitzroy Island off the Cairns coast.

Among countless comments of the post’s followers assuring the family they had shared the plea were messages of hope.

“I’ve been out at that reef when our boat snapped the anchor rope while we were spearfishing. We were in the water for just over 16 hours before search and rescue found us, it’s more than doable to survive out there overnight. Have faith, I hope he is found and OK, I only shared to try ease your mind a little,” Toby Waite said.

“Sending prayers out to you and the families and praying we get positive news today that he is found safe and well,” Phil West said.

Originally published as Search called off for missing spear fisherman Torrance Sambo