THE 10:30 AM TIMELINE — SEARCH INTENSIFIES FOR MISSING FISHERMAN PATRICK EVANS AFTER EMPTY BOAT IS FOUND CIRCLING THE MURRAY RIVER

He was last seen at a riverside campground. Hours later, a witness heard cries for help and discovered a small boat moving in circles with nobody aboard. Now, rescuers are working to establish what happened to 39-year-old Patrick Evans.

A major search operation is continuing along the Murray River near Tocumwal, on the border between New South Wales and Victoria, after Patrick Evans disappeared during a suspected solo fishing trip.

Police and his family have expressed serious concern for his welfare as emergency crews search the river and surrounding areas.

THE CRUCIAL 10:30 AM TIMELINE

According to NSW Police, Patrick was last seen at Pebbly Beach campground on the Victorian side of the river at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 16.

Investigators believe he headed out onto the water in a small boat around midday.

That distinction matters: 10:30 a.m. is his last confirmed sighting, not the confirmed time he disappeared.

A WITNESS HEARD CRIES FOR HELP

The search took on added urgency after a witness reportedly heard someone calling for help from the river.

When the witness went to investigate, they found a small aluminium boat circling on the water without anyone aboard.

Chief Inspector Paul Huggett told ABC News that the boat was effectively “skipper-less” and moving around in circles.

The discovery has become a significant part of the timeline investigators are trying to reconstruct. However, authorities have not confirmed exactly what happened to Patrick or how the boat came to be unattended.

 SEARCH TEAMS FOCUS ON THE RIVER

Police, divers, State Emergency Service crews, NSW Maritime personnel and Victoria Police have been involved in the operation.

Searchers have examined stretches of the river near Tocumwal, including areas around the Newell Highway Bridge and a nearby railway bridge. Air support and police drones have also assisted the effort.

Authorities have appealed to residents, visitors and anyone who was near the river that Friday to come forward with information.

Even a small detail about a sighting, a boat or activity along the river could help investigators establish Patrick’s last known movements.

 A FAMILY WAITS FOR ANSWERS

Patrick is described as approximately 175 centimetres tall, with a slim build, a brown moustache and beard, and medium-length brown-blond hair.

As the search continues, his family faces an agonising wait for news.

For now, there is no confirmed explanation for his disappearance. Investigators must establish what happened between his last sighting at the campground and the discovery of the unattended boat.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.