In a devastating turn for the tight-knit fishing community on Australia’s Gold Coast, authorities have officially suspended the search for 44-year-old Ashley “Ash” Haigh, a renowned game fisherman and devoted family man, after nearly five days of intensive operations yielded no signs of life.

Haigh set out alone from The Spit near Runaway Bay Marina just after 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, for what was meant to be a routine day-long fishing trip on his black half-cabin boat. Experienced and well-known in local circles for his passion for big-game fishing, he was expected home for dinner. When he failed to return by around 7 p.m., alarm was raised, and his vessel was discovered unmanned approximately 25 nautical miles southeast of the Gold Coast Seaway in the early hours of Friday.

The empty boat, found drifting intact on calm waters, sparked immediate concern. Rescue teams launched a massive operation involving Queensland Police, helicopters, marine vessels, and even cross-border assistance extending south to Yamba in New South Wales. Over the following days, searchers scoured more than 1,800 square nautical miles of ocean, battling time and the vastness of the sea in hopes of finding the missing father.

A critical development came on Saturday when an inactive Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered to Haigh was recovered about 14 nautical miles off Ballina. The device, designed to signal distress in emergencies, had not been activated, leaving authorities puzzled and shifting the focus from rescue to recovery. No other personal items, wreckage, or indications of survival were located despite relentless efforts.

Friends and loved ones have spoken of Haigh’s deep love for the water and his strong family ties. Described as “very loved” and a pillar of the local game-fishing scene, his disappearance has left a profound void. Community members have rallied in support, with a GoFundMe campaign quickly established to help his wife and children through this unimaginable hardship.

The decision to suspend the search at last light on Monday came after exhaustive coverage of the area, with police stating there were simply no further leads or signs to pursue. Transitioning to a recovery phase reflects the grim reality that, without new evidence, continued active searching was no longer viable.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers of the ocean, even for seasoned mariners. Calm conditions can turn treacherous in an instant, and safety devices like EPIRBs are vital—yet only effective when used. Haigh’s story has resonated widely, prompting calls for heightened awareness and caution among boaters.

As the community mourns, tributes continue to pour in for a man who lived for the sea and his family. While the official hunt has ended, the hope for answers lingers among those who knew and loved him.