A multi-agency search is underway off the NSW coast, near Yamba, for a boat believed to be carrying two men.

Police have been told about 8am yesterday (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, at 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.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector John Murray said the search commenced late last night, Saturday 27 September, after an 8.4 metre catamaran failed to arrive at its destination as planned. 

“The skipper of the catamaran Logged On with Marine Rescue NSW at the commencement of their journey, sharing their planned route and expected time of arrival. 

“When the catamaran failed to arrive, Marine Rescue NSW radio operators made numerous attempts to contact the vessel without success. 

“Volunteers on board Point Danger 31 commenced searching under the direction of Marine Area Command, before returning to the base shortly before 1am. 

“Two additional Marine Rescue NSW vessels, Brunswick 30 and Ballina 30 joined Point Danger 31 in the search early this morning, Sunday 28 September. 

“The three vessels are searching a large area off the NSW North Coast from Evans Head to Tweed Heads,” Inspector Murray said. 

The search continues.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au, Information is managed on a confidential basis.

The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.