In a heartbreaking case gripping Australia’s east coast, the search for 44-year-old Ashley “Ash” Haigh, a respected Gold Coast game fisherman and devoted family man, has captured widespread attention. Haigh set out alone from Runaway Bay Marina around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, aboard his black half-cabin vessel, The Grey Ghost, for what was meant to be a routine day of marlin fishing in calm offshore waters.

By evening, when he failed to return as expected, alarm grew. His family reported him missing around 7 p.m., and authorities launched an immediate response. Just hours later, at approximately 2 a.m. on Friday, search teams located the boat drifting unmanned about 25 nautical miles southeast of the Gold Coast Seaway, near Burleigh Heads. The vessel appeared intact with no immediate signs of struggle or the skipper onboard, deepening the mystery.

The disappearance prompted one of the largest maritime searches in recent memory, spanning hundreds of square nautical miles across Queensland and New South Wales waters. Multiple vessels, helicopters, and even a jet from Melbourne joined forces, while fellow members of the Gold Coast Game Fishing Club—where Haigh was a former president—rallied volunteers to scour the area.

A pivotal development came on Saturday when rescuers detected and recovered Haigh’s inactive Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) approximately 14 nautical miles off Ballina on the Northern Rivers coast. The phrase “We have found the signal” echoed through updates, offering a glimmer of direction in the vast ocean. Shortly after, reports emerged of an oil slick spotted on the surface, potentially from the boat or related equipment. These sightings briefly shifted the search dynamics, lighting a spark of hope for Haigh’s devastated family and community, as they suggested possible recent activity or a trail to follow.

Tragically, despite exhaustive efforts covering vast expanses and continuing into the weekend, no further debris, personal items, or signs of life were discovered. By Sunday, authorities transitioned the operation to a recovery phase, and by Monday, February 9, the active search was formally suspended after nearly five days.

Haigh, described by loved ones as “very loved” and a passionate fisherman with deep ties to the local community, leaves behind a wife, children, and many friends in the tight-knit fishing world. The calm conditions on the day of his trip have left experts puzzled, with theories ranging from an accidental fall overboard—perhaps while handling heavy gear during a marlin strike—to other unforeseen events.

As the search winds down, tributes pour in for a man known for his skill on the water and warmth on land. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ocean’s unforgiving nature, even for the most experienced. Haigh’s family and supporters continue to hold onto memories while grappling with an unimaginable loss.