Tragic end to search for missing fisherman as man’s body washes up on a beach and police find tinnie with only a dog aboard spinning in circles
- A man’s body has been found at a beach north of Perth on Thursday
- The find follows a boat mysteriously found circling with no driver off the coast
- A small dog found aboard has been returned to the owner’s family
The search for a missing fisherman has ended in tragedy after a man’s body washed up on a beach north of Perth in Western Australia.
A search and rescue operation was launched by WA Police on Wednesday after a boat was spotted speeding in circles 10 kilometres off the coast near Yanchep with no-one aboard except for a small dog.
The boat’s registration was tracked and the 68-year-old male owner believed to be on board was declared missing.
A tinnie was spotted circling off the WA coast with no-one aboard on Wednesday (pictured)
Water police had to collide with the vessel to bring the boat to a halt and to shore (picture)
Water police had to collide with the boat in order bring the vessel to a stop and bring the boat and dog to land.
After being brought ashore the tinnie was examined and found to have sustained damage.
‘We can’t confirm if that’s pre-existing or that’s part of the water police vessel coming in to contact,’ WA Police Senior Sergeant Martin Hopkins said.
‘I can’t give you any circumstances or theories as to why he ended up in the water,’ he said.
He also added the man was wearing a life jacket – adding further mystery to the incident.
The search resumed on Thursday morning with police bringing in aircraft, drones and jet skis to help with the efforts.
A small dog was alone on board and could be seen wagging its tail as officers saved the pooch (pictured)
By mid-morning the search team reported the discovery of the man’s body.
Police said the man’s family had been notified but they have not released a formal identification.
The dog has been returned to the owner’s family.
A report will be prepared for the WA coroner.
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