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Boat of missing Qld man found on mudflats

Nick GibbsAAP
An air and sea search is under way for a Queensland man whose empty boat was found washed up.
Camera IconAn air and sea search is under way for a Queensland man whose empty boat was found washed up.

Grave fears are held for a missing central Queensland man after his boat was found washed onto mudflats.

Family last heard from Boyne Island man Craig Gordon, 62, on Friday when his intention was to travel to Curtis Island off the Gladstone coast.

His wife raised the alarm on Monday night, triggering an air and sea search.

Speaking in Gladstone on Wednesday, Inspector Darren Somerville confirmed Mr Gordon's boat was found on Balaclava Island, close to his intended destination.

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He said the boat appeared to be in good condition but search crews including an aircraft with heat-seeking equipment were unable to find Mr Gordon.

"We're very concerned, if Mr Gordon has made it to land there's a possibility he could still be alive, however if he didn't make it to land and was in the water it's fairly grave," he said.

"That area of Port Alma is well known for being quite a rough area where the tides and wind can converge and create rough conditions."

Mr Gordon's car and boat trailer were found at a boat ramp in Gladstone on Tuesday night and the vessel is expected to be recovered on Wednesday.

Insp Somerville said Mr Gordon was an experienced mariner and his trip was not out of character.

The search continues.

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