Heartbreak on the Gold Coast as Fisherman’s Search is Suspended
The Gold Coast community is grappling with profound sadness following the suspension of the search for missing fisherman Ash Haigh, 44. Mr Haigh was last seen on Thursday, February 5, around 7pm, when his black half-cabin boat failed to return to the Runaway Bay Marina. His disappearance triggered an extensive and desperate four-day search effort.
The operation, covering an impressive expanse of over 1800 square nautical miles, stretched from the Gold Coast Seaway all the way down to Yamba. Despite the vastness of the search area and the dedication of numerous individuals and agencies, the efforts to locate Mr Haigh have unfortunately been suspended.
Early in the search, at approximately 2am on Friday, water police located Mr Haigh’s unoccupied vessel. The boat was found about 25 nautical miles southeast of the Seaway, but critically, no one was on board. This discovery, while confirming the boat’s presence, offered little comfort regarding Mr Haigh’s whereabouts.
The following day, a further, albeit grim, piece of the puzzle emerged when Mr Haigh’s emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) was discovered. This device was located approximately 14 nautical miles off the coast of Ballina. Despite these findings, a police statement confirmed that “no further items or signs of life have been located.”
This lack of progress ultimately led to the difficult decision by police to suspend the search on Sunday night. “Officers continue to be in contact with the man’s family who have been advised of this update,” a police spokesperson stated, acknowledging the immense emotional toll this situation has taken on the Haigh family.
A Family’s Grief and Gratitude
In a statement shared with the ABC, Ash Haigh’s sister, Lauren, conveyed the deep heartbreak her family is experiencing. She described her 44-year-old brother as a “very loved and special father, husband, brother, son and friend to many.” Her words painted a picture of a man deeply cherished by those around him.
“He was my first best friend growing up,” Lauren shared, her voice thick with emotion. The sentiment underscores the profound bond and shared history within the family.
The family also expressed their sincere gratitude for the immense effort invested in the search. “We would like to thank everyone that has been involved in searching to bring him home,” Lauren added, acknowledging the selfless work of the police, volunteers, and the wider community.
Community Rallies to Support the Haigh Family
In the wake of Mr Haigh’s disappearance and the subsequent suspension of the search, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to provide financial support for his family. Amber Scherrenberg, a close family friend and the organiser of the fundraiser, described Mr Haigh as a man with a “great sense of humour” and an “infectious laugh.”
The GoFundMe page further elaborated on Mr Haigh’s character and his importance to those who knew him. “Ash was a pillar in his fishing club, he was an incredible dad, a loving partner and just an all round top bloke,” the fundraiser read.
It continued to highlight the impact he had on others: “We know that everyone who has ever come in contact with him will remember his infectious laugh, great sense of humour and have so many good times to share.”
The devastating suddenness of his loss has been described as “unfathomable.” The primary objective of the GoFundMe is to alleviate the financial strain on Mr Haigh’s wife and children during this incredibly difficult period. “We want (Mr Haigh’s wife) and the kids to not have the extra stress that comes with losing the main financial provider while they navigate this time,” the organiser stated.
Authorities are still appealing to the public for any information that might assist in determining Mr Haigh’s welfare or whereabouts. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the police.
