A mystery is unfolding on Magnetic Island after an unmanned ski boat washed ashore at Horseshoe Bay on Saturday evening, triggering an air and land search that has so far turned up no answers about where its occupants may be.
The vessel was discovered at around 5.30pm Saturday, sitting on the beach with nobody on board. Police launched a helicopter search of the surrounding area at approximately 7pm, but the aerial sweep found no sign of any person in the water or nearby.
What we know about the mystery boat
The vessel is described as a 16-foot green and white fibreglass ski boat fitted with an outboard motor. It is not yet known how long the boat had been adrift before washing ashore, or how many people, if any, may have been on board.
The helicopter was not tasked to continue searching on Sunday. Officers are now examining the boat closely, hoping physical evidence on board might shed light on who owns it and what may have happened.
Search continues as police appeal for information
With aerial operations stood down, investigators are turning to the public for help. Anyone who recognises the green and white ski boat, or who has any information regarding its owner or their current whereabouts, is urged to contact Queensland Police.
The incident is a reminder of the sometimes unpredictable hazards along Queensland's coastline — waters that have previously yielded unexpected and puzzling discoveries on North Queensland beaches. As of Sunday, the fate of whoever may have been aboard the drifting vessel remains unknown.
