Search for lost boatie goes on
THE search for a missing North Queensland man who was swept away in floodwaters continues to expand with friends, family and emergency services combing a 100 square nautical mile area.
Home Hill man Justin Scott vanished in waters at Groper Creek after the boat he and two mates were travelling in crashed into a submerged jetty and tipped about 5.30pm on Friday.
People nearby were able to pull Mr Scott’s mates from the water but the 35-year-old has not been found.
As the search prepared to enter its fourth day Acting Inspector Matt Lyons said emergency services and Mr Scott’s family had not given up hope.
“You always want to continue to have hope until you locate the missing person,” Insp Lyons said.
Insp Lyons said the Queensland Government Rescue Helicopter, two Maritime Rescue Queensland boats, one QFES swift water rescue crew and two police divers were on yesterday.
An extra swift water rescue crew and two additional police vessels are expected to take part in the search today.
“It is a considerable area of approximately 100 square nautical miles,” Insp Lyons said.
“We are honing approximately a 30 miles area.”
Insp Lyons said emergency services would continue to put their all into the search.
The major operation comes on the back of testing times for emergency service workers who were in the thick of the Townsville floods at their worst.
Many crews are backing up and continuing to put in long hours in trying conditions.
Insp Lyons said the police and other services would do what was needed to be done for the community.
“Everybody involved is highly skilled and trained in dealing with these type of situations,” Insp Lyons said. vessels with the waters in on nautical