Police are scaling down the search for an 85-year-old man missing at flood-affected Degarra, in Far North Queensland.
The local man was last heard from on the evening of Sunday December 17.
When loved ones failed to see or hear from him late on Monday December 18, emergency services were alerted to his disappearance.
An extensive land and water search commenced, and the man's home was located destroyed by floodwaters.
On Wednesday December 20 his vessel, a tinny, was located among debris near the mouth of the Bloomfield River.
Despite extensive search efforts utilising officers on foot, water police and aerial assets no further sign of the man has since been located with police holding grave concerns for his welfare.
The search will now be scaled down, police will continue to conduct regular patrols of the search area and will act on any further information received.
Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said the outcome was heartbreaking for the man's friends, family, and the tight-knit local community.
"Despite tireless efforts by our crews, we have been unable to locate the man following this severe weather event," Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said.
"As debris is cleared and river levels subside police will continue to monitor the area for any sign of him, and we hold hope that we can provide answers for his loved ones.
"We want to thank the community for their assistance during the search and continue to urge anyone with information to immediately advise police."
Earlier: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/farnorth/2023/12/19/search-and-rescue-for-missing-man-degarra/
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
