Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Location Of Missing Man Remains Unknown

A Hervey Bay man who disappeared in a tinny with his dog on Thursday last week remains missing despite an extensive search by the emergency services.

Lee Eastham, who is 36 years old, was last seen launching from the Pioneer Bay boat ramp at around 4.30pm on Thursday, April 7 and was reported missing when he failed to return on Saturday afternoon.

The RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter conducted a widespread search of the area between Conway Point and Dingo Beach for about three hours for the missing man and his three-metre boat, but nothing had yet been found.

It is understood that he was based at a local campground and had made friends with neighbours who had looked after his dog for two nights prior to the disappearance.

Their Facebook post described Lee as a “lovely bloke” and the dog “so pleasant to mind”.

“We only knew him a few days and raised the alarm when he hadn't returned the following morning. We are praying they're both found safe and well,” read the post.

It is now understood that Lee’s family are staying at the campground and have connected with the concerned neighbours who are helping with investigations.

Many in the community have also come forward to assist where they can, one individual reported that she had seen a broken down vessel from her own yacht in the bay.

She was about to offer assistance when the motor came to life and he sped off.

Another local was filming a wedding at Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) when he saw a tinny matching that description.

He has now handed the video footage over to police who are encouraging anyone else with information to come forward.

The registration of the tinny is ZV7160.

Information in this story is up to date as of 2pm Tuesday, April 12.

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