‘Fearless and full of love’: Fiancee’s tribute

THE fiancee of a man missing after a trawler capsized off Central Queensland says he is fearless and capable of anything and hopes he is “kicked back on one of the islands with a coconut in hand”.

Ana James, the partner of Eli Tonks, said he was “full of love, compassion and emotion, and is one of the strongest, most kind hearted people”.

Her comments came as the search for Mr Tonks and five of his crewmates continued after the fishing boat Dianne overturned near Middle Island, northeast of Gladstone, on Monday night about 7.30pm.

Ms James said Mr Tonks was a “machine”.

“Friends and family know he would not give up without a fight,” she said in a statement.

“Most of us continue to hold onto hope that he’s kicked back on one of the islands with a coconut in hand – because that’s the kind of guy he is.”

“Fearless and capable anything.”

Mr Tonks’ family yesterday said they “have not given up hope, and will not give up until they are found” . of