‘Very loved’: Sister’s heartbreaking tribute to fisherman missing off Gold Coast

The sister of a fisherman who went missing off the Gold Coast has issued a heartbreaking statement after police confirmed they’d suspended their search.

This sister of a fisherman who went missing on the Gold Coast has issued a heartbreaking statement after police suspended their search.

Ash Haigh, 44, went missing on Thursday, February 5 about 7pm after his black half-cabin boat failed to return to the Runaway Bay Marina.

His disappearance kicked off a desperate four-day search for the fisherman, spanning more than 1800 square nautical miles from the Gold Coast seaway to Yamba.

The search for missing fisherman Ash Haigh has been suspended. Picture: Facebook / Ash Haigh
About 2am on Friday, water police located his unoccupied vessel about 25 nautical miles southeast of the seaway, but no one was on board.

The next day, Mr Haigh’s emergency position indicating radio beacon was found about 14 nautical miles off Ballina.

“No further items or signs of life have been located,” a police statement read.

Subsequently, police confirmed on Sunday night the search for Mr Haigh had been suspended.

“Officers continue to be in contact with the man’s family who have been advised of this update,” they said.

The fisherman disappeared on Thursday evening. Picture: Facebook / Ash Haigh
In a statement to the ABC, Mr Haigh’s sister, Lauren, said her family were heartbroken by the loss.

She said the 44-year-old was a “very loved and special father, husband, brother, son and friend to many”.

“He was my first best friend growing up,” she said.

“We would like to thank everyone that has been involved in searching to bring him home.”

HIs sister issued a heartbreaking statement after the search was suspended. Picture: Facebook / Ash Haigh
A GoFundMe has been launched in the wake of Mr Haigh’s disappearance, with family friend and organiser Amber Scherrenberg describing him as having a “great sense of humour” and an “infectious laugh”.

“Ash was a pillar in his fishing club, he was an incredible dad, a loving partner and just an all round top bloke,” the fundraiser read.

“We know that everyone who has ever come in contact with him will remember his infectious laugh, great sense of humour and have so many good times to share.

“Losing Ash suddenly is unfathomable and we want (Mr Haigh’s wife) and the kids to not have the extra stress that comes with losing the main financial provider while they navigate this time.”

Police aid anyone with information about Mr Haigh’s welfare or whereabouts is urged to contact police.