A multi-agency search for two men missing in a catamaran off the North Coast has had a successful resolution after the vessel was found overnight.
Police were told about 8am on Saturday 27 September 2025, Mangrove Jack - an 8.4m white catamaran - left Yamba Harbour, near Yamba Road, Yamba, and was scheduled to arrive at Southport, Queensland, around 5pm.
When the vessel did not arrive at its destination as scheduled, emergency services were contacted about 8.20pm and a search commenced.
Officers attached to Marine Area Command, with the assistance from Tweed-Byron Police District, Police Rescue, PolAir, Marine Rescue NSW, Queensland Police Service, Marine Rescue QLD, Surf Lifesavings NSW, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, and Australian Maritime Safety Authority, are involved in the search.
About 9.00pm last night (Sunday 28 September 2025), Marine Rescue at Port Macquarie received a call from the men on the vessel, reporting their location as approximately 22 nautical miles east of Sandon Beach, Sandon.
A challenger search aircraft was diverted and successfully located the vessel.
Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW have commenced towing the vessel back to Yamba. The boat is expected to make landfall about 7am.
The two men on board the catamaran – aged 50 and 68 - are reported to be uninjured but suffering from extreme exhaustion.
