Fisherman missing at sea identified as major South Coast, Hunter Coast search continues

A fisherman missing at sea since venturing out from Batemans Bay on Saturday morning has been identified, as a major multi-agency search area has been expanded to include a 400km-plus stretch of coastline.

A fisherman missing at sea since venturing out from Batemans Bay on Saturday morning has been identified, as a major multi-agency search area has been expanded to include a 400km stretch of coastline.

Geoff Buchanan, 56, had his eight-metre Arvor runabout fishing boat docked at the Batemans Bay Marina before heading out to sea.

The large-scale search operation was launched after Mr Buchanan failed to return from a solo trip on Saturday morning.

Mr Buchanan departed the marina at approximately 10am.

But when he did not return as expected emergency services were alerted, with concerns raised about 7.20pm, prompting an immediate multi-agency response.

Close friend of Mr Buchanan, Glen Thurston, told this publication the pair were messaging in the hours leading up to his disappearance.

“He asked me to come fishing, but I couldn’t because I was on my way to Queensland,” he told the Daily Telegraph.

“He sent me a picture of a huge Yellowfin Tuna he caught and I haven’t heard from him since.”
Another close friend of Mr Buchanan, champion spearfisher Simon Trippe, issued an urgent appeal to find the angler on social media.
“Our buddy Geoff has been missing out at sea for two nights. He is in an 8m Arvor with a 300 Verado on the back,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Geoff went on a solo mission out of Batemans Bay, had caught a ‘fin and was heading home Saturday morning.

“Please if you’re out fishing today keep an eye out and investigate, and report to authorities. Boat could be anywhere.”

The 56-year-old docs his boat at the Batemans Bay Marina. Picture: Tom McGann.

Marine Rescue NSW deployed four vessels from four units Monday morning to assist in the multi-agency search, with inspector Stuart Massey saying all crews resumed searching from 8.30am. 

“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and vessels will focus on two search areas under the direction of Marine Aera Comment,” he said.

A Marine Rescue NSW have deployed four vessels from four units Monday morning. Picture: Tom McGann

“Batemans Bay 21 will search alongside a NSW Water Police vessel off Batemans Bay, while Narooma 30, Bermagui 30, and Merimbula 31 will search further south.

“All four Marine Rescue NSW vessels will continue searching today until instructed otherwise.” 

Missing Batemans Bay fisherman, Geoff Buchanan, 56. Picture: Facebook

A Marine Rescue NSW spokesman said two command posts were established to run the major search, one in Batemans Bay and one 100km south in Bermagui.

Marine Area Command launched a co-ordinated overnight search involving Marine Rescue NSW, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and South Coast Police District officers.

A fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter also scoured the area, but neither the man nor his vessel were located.

The search resumed early on Monday, bolstered by assistance from Surf Life Saving NSW.

The search was expanded north to Port Stephens and as far south as the Victorian border.

NSW Police said the search expanded significantly north due to unofficial sightings of a similar vessel in the area.

Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have seen the vessel to come forward as efforts continue.

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Originally published as Fisherman missing at sea identified as major South Coast, Hunter Coast search continues