Man’s body found off Geraldton coast

A body believed to be that of a 78-year-old fisherman who went missing off Geraldton today has been found.

Police said the body was located off the coast of Drummond Cove, following a sea, land and air search.

The man’s boat has not yet been found.

Mid West Gascoyne District Superintendent Roger Beer said it was a “very unfortunate situation” and extended his condolences to the man’s family.

He praised the work of those involved in the search, particularly the volunteers.

The search began when the fisherman failed to return this afternoon after launching a 13-foot white Quintrex aluminium boat from Geraldton’s Francis Street jetty about 6am.

Police co-ordinated the search from an incident control room at Geraldton Police Station, with help from Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

The operation involved a fixed wing civilian aircraft, along with vessels from Geraldton Volunteer Marine Rescue Group, Department of Transport (Marine Safety) and Mid West Ports Authority, while police carried out a land search.

Police have notified next-of-kin and will now prepare a report for the Coroner.