THE EMPTY BOAT WAS FOUND CIRCLING THE RIVER — NEW DETAILS IN THE SEARCH FOR MISSING FATHER PATRICK EVANS

A witness heard cries for help. Moments later, an empty fishing boat was reportedly found circling on the Murray River. Now, as the search for 39-year-old Patrick Evans enters another day, investigators are working to piece together what happened after he disappeared.

A desperate search is continuing for Patrick Evans, a 39-year-old fisherman who vanished while reportedly fishing alone near Tocumwal, along the New South Wales–Victoria border.

Patrick was last seen at Pebbly Beach campground on the Victorian side of the Murray River at around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026. Police believe he headed out onto the river in a small boat shortly after midday.

But he never returned.

THE WITNESS WHO RAISED THE ALARM

According to police, a witness heard cries for help coming from the river on Friday afternoon.

The witness went to investigate and discovered a small aluminium-style fishing boat moving in circles on the water with nobody apparently steering it.

Murray River Police District Chief Inspector Paul Huggett described the vessel as essentially “skipper-less” and running around in circles.

That discovery immediately raised concerns about Patrick’s whereabouts. However, investigators have not publicly established exactly what happened between his departure and the moment the boat was found.

The witness’s account has become a key part of the known timeline, but it does not, on its own, explain how Patrick disappeared.

 SEARCH TEAMS FOCUS ON THE MURRAY RIVER

Police and emergency crews have been searching the surrounding waterways and areas near Tocumwal.

The operation has involved NSW Police, Victoria Police, State Emergency Service crews, NSW Maritime, volunteer rescue teams, police divers, aerial support and drones.

Investigators have focused attention on areas around the Newell Highway Bridge and a nearby railway bridge, while volunteers have joined efforts to cover sections of the river.

As the search continues, authorities are appealing to anyone who was in the area on Friday — particularly boaters, campers and visitors who may have seen Patrick or his vessel — to come forward.

A FAMILY WAITING 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.

Police have said they hold serious concerns for his welfare. His disappearance has left those close to him waiting anxiously for news while search crews continue their work.

For now, the empty boat remains one of the most significant details publicly reported about the incident. Investigators have not confirmed why it was circling, whether Patrick entered the water, or what led to his disappearance.

Every reliable sighting and piece of information could help authorities reconstruct his final known movements.

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