Community rallies around family of fisho presumed dead off coast of Wadeye, statement

The family of a man who passed away after the boat he was in capsized in NT waters have shared their heartache in a statement.

The man went missing off the coast of Wadeye.

• Police end search for man missing off NT coast after evidence found

THE family of the man who died after the boat he was in capsized in waters off Wadeye are devastated.

The family of the 28-year-old man, speaking through a spokesman, have requested their privacy, releasing a statement on the tragic news.

“The family are devastated with the events over the weekend and are requesting that their privacy is maintained and respected,” the spokesman said.

“They have been overwhelmed with the support from Emergency Services, the community and local organisations.

“They continue to be supported by counselling services and the community who are rallying behind them.”

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The spokesman said it was not yet clear how the man died, and police have confirmed the Coroner would be investigating.

The search for the man was called off following a three-day air, land and sea search.

NT Police Superintendent Kirk Pennuto said: “The search effort has been exhaustive and has identified evidence, including DNA evidence that the missing man is no longer alive and there are a number of possibilities that will be examined for the Coroner in regards to cause of death,” he said.

The area is known for its challenging seas and has a number of large resident crocodiles. Yesterday, authorities removed a large crocodile from the search area.

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