Police are conducting a search and rescue operation for an overdue boat in the Torres Strait
The 7-metre vessel departed Badu Island at around 3pm on July 31 with plans to travel to Dauan Island with five people on board.
The vessel was reported overdue at around 10pm on July 31.
The boat contained a 22-year-old man, 44-year-old man, 21-year-old woman, 21-year-old woman and a 9-year-old boy, all from Dauan Island.
A search and rescue operation was commenced immediately upon receiving information that the vessel was overdue using rotary aircraft. The search was expanded at first light on August 1 utilising police vessels and fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
The boat was located approximately 4.5 kms west of Dauan Island at around 1.50pm on August 2 with no people on board.
Papua New Guinea authorities have informed Queensland Police Service officers that a child's body has been located near Old Mawatta Village on mainland Papua New Guinea. Queensland Police are attempting to ascertain if body is that of the missing 9-year-old boy, however it is outside of the search area.
Police are liaising with the families of the missing people to keep them informed of details of search and rescue efforts.
Aerial and water assets, including police vessels are continuing to search the area.
