Search ends for missing angler

A search and rescue operation for missing fisherman Scott Jasperse has been officially called off.

The 41 year old has been missing for more than 80 hours after the boat he and two others were on capsized overnight on Thursday, April 13 in waters about 150km northeast of the Mackay coast.

Mackay Inspector Andrew Godbold confirmed on Monday morning the search has been suspended.

He said expert information suggested someone could survive at sea “usually for a day and a half to two days”.

“That’s about the most you can stay alive out there,” Inspector Godbold said.

He said the search was occurring about 200km off the coast and encompassed a very large area.

“We’ve had probably eight to 15 boats at different times out there searching as well as a number of aircraft and helicopters,” Inspector Godbold said.

“But the huge difficulty for us, it’s so far off by the time we get planes and helicopters out there they have to turn around and come back.

“They can’t spend that much time … and similarly with the boats as well.”

He said initial investigations suggested a large wave caused the boat to capsize.

“We’re encouraging everyone who travels out on any fishing trip at all to make sure they take an EPIRB and they have their personal life (jacket) … and they let somebody know when they’re going and when they’re expecting to return.”

It is unknown if they had logged on with VMR or if the boat has been recovered.

Mr Jasperse’s friends had taken to social media over the past few days expressing their hopes and prayers the Grasstree Beach father would be found alive.

Mr Jasperse had been with his older brother, 44, and a mate, 43, from the Moreton Bay region on the boat – a 7mlong Goodwin Longboard – on a recreational fishing trip that ended up near Creal Reef when disaster struck. An EPIRB was activated about 8.10pm prompting a large-scale search