Queensland emergency services find body during search for missing fisherman in the Narrows at Fitzroy River

Authorities have made a tragic discovery in the search for a fisherman who went missing when his boat sank.

A body has been found in the Fitzroy River in Queensland after authorities carried out a wide spread search for a man reported missing when his boat sank.

Queensland Police confirmed a body was found in the Fitzroy River, believed to be that of a man in his 70s who went missing on Tuesday.

Formal identification is now underway and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

RACQ Rescue 300 is continuing a search for a missing man in the Port Alma region. Picture: Supplied

The man and another two fishermen were fishing in a 5.3m tinnie when their boat sank in The Narrows in the Fitzroy River at Keppel Bay, Queensland on Tuesday.

Concerned family members called emergency services about 9.20pm when their the boat failed to dock at Yeppoon by the expected 6pm arrival time.

It’s believed the trio had been fishing when they ended up in the water after their boat sank.

They reportedly clung to each other to stay afloat but one of the men became separated from his friends.

During the extensive search, Bundaberg-based RACQ LifeFlight rescue helicopter crew found two of the men on a beach at 3.10am on Wednesday.

A RACQ LifeFlight Rescue spokeswoman confirmed the helicopter crew could not detect a EPIRB or distress signal, making the search mission challenging for authorities in dark condition.

#RACQ#CapRescue has joined the search for a man in his seventies missing near Port Alma. The boat carrying him and two others overturned last night. Two occupants have already been found. pic.twitter.com/wGda2zEsyY

— RACQ CapRescue (@caprescue) October 31, 2023

When authorities spotted a fire on a Keppel Bay island, the pilot landed the helicopter on the beach and found two of the missing men, who had managed to swim to shore.

The two men were treated for only minor injuries but were thirsty and distressed.

The rescue chopper flew the two men to Rockhampton Hospital for treatment.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said the two men were in a stable conditions.

The RACQ rescue helicopter rescued two fisherman early Wednesday morning. Picture: Supplied

Queensland Police Service was assisting in the continued search for the third man, aged in his 70s.

During the early-morning rescue, the helicopter crew assisted in the search, making numerous low-flying sweeps along the coastline without a successful sighting.

The Narrows is a popular fishing spot in the northern outlet of Gladstone Harbour, separating Curtis Island from the mainland.

It also connects to Keppel Bay near the mouth of the Fitzroy River.