MISSING FISHERMAN: THE 10:30 A.M. TIMELINE AS SEARCH CREWS RACE TO FIND 39-YEAR-OLD PATRICK EVANS

A fishing trip along Australia’s Murray River has turned into a desperate search after Patrick Evans disappeared near Tocumwal. A witness reportedly heard cries for help before discovering a small boat circling the water with nobody aboard.

A family is waiting for answers as police and emergency crews continue searching for 39-year-old Patrick Evans, who vanished during a fishing trip on the Murray River along the border between New South Wales and Victoria, Australia.

Evans was last seen at Pebbly Beach campground on Friday morning, October 16, at approximately 10:30 a.m. Police believe he later headed out onto the river in a small boat around midday. When he could not be located or contacted, authorities launched an urgent search.

THE TIMELINE THAT RAISED THE ALARM

According to police, a witness heard cries for help on Friday and went to investigate. The witness reportedly discovered a small aluminum-style boat moving in circles on the river, with no one at the helm.

The discovery triggered an emergency response, with police and rescue teams working to establish what happened and where Evans might have gone.

Investigators have not publicly established the exact sequence of events that led to his disappearance. The witness account has become an important part of the known timeline, but it does not by itself explain what happened to him.

A MULTI-AGENCY SEARCH ALONG THE MURRAY RIVER

The search has involved NSW Police, Victoria Police, NSW Maritime, State Emergency Service personnel, Rural Fire Service crews, volunteer rescuers and police divers.

Authorities have also used aerial support and drones to help search the river and surrounding areas. Search teams focused on sections near Tocumwal, including the Newell Highway Bridge and a nearby railway bridge.

By Tuesday, October 20, the search had entered its fourth day without Evans being found, according to ABC News. Police and rescue personnel continued working to locate him.

WHO IS PATRICK EVANS?

Police describe Evans as approximately 175 centimeters (5 feet 9 inches) tall, with a thin build, a brown moustache and beard, and medium-length brown-blond hair.

He was last seen at Pebbly Beach campground on the Victorian side of the Murray River. Police have urged anyone who may have seen him, his boat or anything unusual along the river that Friday to come forward.

The uncertainty surrounding his disappearance has left loved ones waiting for news while rescuers continue their efforts.

POLICE ASK THE PUBLIC FOR HELP

Anyone with information about Patrick Evans’s whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers in Australia at 1800 333 000.

As the search continues, authorities are also reminding people to take care around waterways and follow safe boating practices, including wearing a life jacket.

Our thoughts are with Patrick’s loved ones and everyone involved in the search.