Search Intensifies for Missing Catamaran and Crew off Northern NSW

A large-scale search is underway for two men and their vessel after an 8.4-metre catamaran vanished off the northern New South Wales coast.

The white catamaran, Mangrove Jack, departed Yamba Harbour on Saturday morning bound for the Gold Coast but failed to make its scheduled call at Point Danger on the NSW Queensland border later that evening.

Marine Rescue NSW launched an operation after repeated attempts to contact the vessel by radio went unanswered. The search resumed at first light on Sunday, with police and marine rescue crews from both states combing waters between Evans Head and the Gold Coast. Aerial support from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has also been deployed.

“The vessel is from Queensland originally, so they were heading back home,” said Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray. “We’re looking for a Queensland vessel that’s overdue.”

Inspector Murray said the crew was believed to be experienced but stressed the urgency of the mission. “It’s vitally important to find them as soon as possible,” he said, urging anyone who may have seen the catamaran to contact police.