UPDATE: A desperate search for a man in his 20s is underway after a boat capsized off the coast of southeast Melbourne late Friday night. The alarm was raised at 11:15 PM on November 3, 2023, prompting a coordinated response from Victoria Police, life savers, and the coast guard, who have resumed their search near Mornington Pier this Saturday.
Authorities believe the boat overturned approximately 1 km offshore. While one man was rescued by another vessel and treated for minor injuries, the second occupant remains missing, heightening the urgency of the search efforts. A spokesperson for Victoria Police confirmed, “One man was rescued by another boat. He was assessed by paramedics and was not seriously injured. The second male occupant, believed to be in his 20s, is outstanding.”
As of Saturday morning, a multi-agency search operation is ongoing, involving Water Police, helicopters, and uniformed officers from various rescue organizations, including Life Saving Victoria and the Coast Guard. A Helicopter Emergency Medical Services crew is also on-site to assist in the search.
The area surrounding Mornington Pier, located 45 km south of the Melbourne CBD, is known for its popularity among recreational fishers and divers. It attracts photographers and sightseers, particularly during stormy weather when large waves crash against the pier.
Current conditions are reported to be manageable, with winds peaking at 17 km/h and gusting up to 19 km/h this afternoon, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. However, the search teams are racing against time, with concerns growing for the safety of the missing boater.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the missing individual to come forward immediately. The community is rallying around the search efforts, with emotional support being offered to the families involved.
As this situation develops, further updates will be provided as soon as they become available. The ongoing search highlights the risks associated with boating in coastal waters and the critical importance of safety measures for all marine activities.
