The Missing Beacon: Ash Haigh’s Mysterious Disappearance at Sea and the Item That Could Hold the Key

In the vast, unforgiving expanse of the Pacific Ocean off Australia’s Gold Coast, a routine fishing trip turned into a harrowing mystery that has captivated the nation. Ashley “Ash” Haigh, a 44-year-old beloved father, husband, and seasoned game fisherman, vanished without a trace on February 5, 2026, leaving behind an empty boat and a trail of unanswered questions. Just days after the Super Bowl frenzy subsided, this real-life drama unfolded, drawing comparisons to maritime enigmas of the past. But it’s the latest update that has everyone talking: police are now scrutinizing evidence on the boat’s deck, where a crucial item belonging to Haigh—an emergency beacon—is conspicuously absent from its usual spot. His family, heartbroken yet resolute, insists he would never have left the vessel without it. In a story that blends hope, tragedy, and intrigue, one missing piece has transformed a search-and-rescue operation into a potential investigation, reminding us how quickly calm seas can turn treacherous.

Ash Haigh was no novice to the ocean’s whims. A prominent figure in the Gold Coast Game Fishing Club, where he once served as president, Haigh was known for his passion for chasing marlin—the ocean’s elusive giants that can weigh up to 200 kilograms and fight with the ferocity of a gladiator. Friends described him as a “fishing fanatic,” often venturing out from Runaway Bay Marina in his boat, aptly named the Grey Ghost. On that fateful Thursday, February 5, Haigh set out solo for a day of deep-sea angling, expected to return by 5 p.m. When 7 p.m. came and went with no sign of him, alarm bells rang. His family reported him missing, triggering an immediate response from Queensland Police and marine rescue teams.

The Grey Ghost was discovered around 2 a.m. the next day, drifting aimlessly about 25 nautical miles (approximately 46 kilometers) southeast of the Gold Coast Seaway. Aerial footage from a Challenger jet dispatched from Melbourne showed the vessel intact, bobbing gently on moderate swells—no signs of capsizing, fire, or collision. Yet, Haigh was nowhere to be found. “The boat was in good condition,” Acting Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray of the Queensland Police Service noted in an early press conference. “There was no apparent reason for no one being on board.” This eerie discovery echoed tales of ghost ships, like the infamous Mary Celeste, but with modern twists: the engine was off, and key items were amiss.

Among the peculiarities: two fishing rods were gone, suggesting Haigh might have been mid-battle with a catch when disaster struck. More crucially, the boat’s Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)—a lifesaving device designed to alert rescuers in distress—was not in its mounted position on the deck. EPIRBs are standard safety gear for offshore fishermen, registering a vessel’s location via satellite when activated. Haigh’s family emphasized that he was meticulous about safety; he “never left the ship without it,” meaning he always ensured it was secured or with him in emergencies. Yet, it was found floating inactive some 25 kilometers south of Ballina, New South Wales, on Saturday afternoon—far from the boat’s last tracked position.

This discrepancy has fueled speculation. Police are now “comparing evidence” on the deck, analyzing GPS data from the boat and the beacon to reconstruct Haigh’s final moments. Was the EPIRB manually activated and then separated from the vessel? Did a massive marlin yank Haigh overboard, dislodging the device in the chaos? Or is there something more sinister at play? Chief Superintendent Kylie Rigg addressed the media, stating, “As to how that EPIRB has ended up overboard, I don’t know. Sadly, through events that we are yet to establish—and perhaps we may not even be able to establish—that person is no longer on board that boat.” The family’s insistence on Haigh’s habits adds emotional weight: if he truly never ventured far without his safety gear, its absence from the deck could indicate he grabbed it during a fall, offering a sliver of hope he survived initial impact.

heraldsun.com.au

Queensland police search for man after boat found off Gold Coast …

The search effort was monumental, covering over 1,800 square nautical miles from the Gold Coast down to Yamba. It involved eight boats, four helicopters, and a fixed-wing aircraft, with volunteers from the Game Fishing Club joining in their own vessels. Conditions were favorable—light winds, moderate currents—but after nearly five days, no trace of Haigh emerged. On February 9, authorities suspended the active search, shifting to a recovery phase. “It’s a difficult decision,” Rigg said, “but we’ve exhausted all avenues.” The operation’s scale underscored Haigh’s standing in the community; he was “very loved,” as his sister Lauren Haigh put it in a poignant statement. “He was my first best friend growing up,” she shared. “A very loved and special father, husband, brother, son, and friend to many. We would like to thank everyone that has been involved in searching to bring him home.”

Lauren’s words paint a picture of a man deeply embedded in family and community life. Haigh, a Gold Coast local, balanced his seafaring passion with family responsibilities. Photos shared by loved ones show him beaming at weddings, holding trophy fish, and embracing his role as a mentor in the fishing world. His disappearance has rippled through social media, with hashtags like #FindAshHaigh trending on X. Posts from club members recall his expertise: “Ash knew those waters like the back of his hand,” one wrote. “This doesn’t add up.” Indeed, the mystery deepens with the life jacket detail revealed in early reports. Initial inspections noted one life jacket missing from the boat’s inventory of four, sparking optimism that Haigh donned it before going overboard. “That is what’s giving everyone hope,” a 7NEWS reporter noted, “that Ash is wearing a life jacket, which of course would increase his chances of survival.”

Yet, as days turned to a week, hope dimmed. Survival experts estimate that without food or water, a person in temperate ocean conditions might last 3-5 days, factoring in factors like water temperature (around 25°C in February) and physical condition. Haigh, fit and experienced, could have extended that window, but currents could have carried him far. Marine biologists point to the marlin theory: these billfish are notorious for their acrobatic fights, capable of dragging anglers into the depths. “Even smaller fish have been known to pull a grown man out to sea,” experts say. If Haigh was hooked to a line without a quick-release harness—a common setup for solo trips—the force could have been catastrophic.

au.news.yahoo.com

Very loved’: Sad end for missing fisherman – Yahoo News Australia

This isn’t the first such incident off Australia’s east coast. In 2024, a similar case involved a fisherman pulled overboard by a tuna near Sydney, surviving thanks to his EPIRB. Haigh’s device, however, was inactive when recovered, raising questions about malfunction or deliberate non-activation. Police are cross-referencing forensic evidence from the deck—perhaps traces of struggle, like scuff marks or displaced equipment—with satellite data. “We’re comparing the boat’s last known track with the beacon’s position,” an insider revealed. This “comparison” could reveal if the separation was accidental or if foul play was involved, though authorities stress the case is “not suspicious” at this stage.

The family’s grief is palpable. In interviews, they cling to memories: Haigh teaching his children to fish, family barbecues by the marina, his infectious laugh. “He was the glue holding us together,” a relative said anonymously. Community support has poured in—fundraisers for search costs, vigils at Runaway Bay. The Gold Coast Game Fishing Club issued a statement: “Ash was more than a member; he was family. We’re devastated but committed to supporting his loved ones.” Broader implications loom: this tragedy highlights solo fishing risks, prompting calls for mandatory check-in apps or auto-activating EPIRBs.

As of February 11, 2026, two days after the search suspension, police continue deck analysis at a secure facility. Divers revisited the EPIRB’s recovery site, but no new leads surfaced. The family’s plea remains: “If anyone saw anything, even the smallest detail, please come forward.” In this quiet aftermath, the missing item—the EPIRB—stands as a symbol of unresolved tension. Was it Haigh’s last grasp at survival, or a clue to something deeper? For now, the ocean keeps its secrets, but the story of Ash Haigh endures, a testament to human fragility against nature’s might.

The Anatomy of a Maritime Mystery

To understand Haigh’s disappearance, consider the timeline in detail:

February 5, Morning: Haigh launches from Runaway Bay Marina, heading to marlin grounds 50-60 km offshore.
Afternoon: Presumed fishing; no distress calls.
Evening: Fails to return; family alerts authorities.
February 6, 2 a.m.: Boat located empty.
Throughout February 6-8: Intensive search expands south to Byron Bay.
February 7: EPIRB found inactive near Ballina.
February 9: Search suspended.

Experts use tables to map such incidents:

Factor
Details
Implications

Weather
Light winds, 1-2m swells
Not a factor in disappearance

Boat Condition
Intact, engine off
No mechanical failure

Missing Items
EPIRB, 2 rods, 1 life jacket
Possible overboard struggle

EPIRB Status
Inactive, separated from boat
Malfunction or manual removal?

Currents
Southerly, 1-2 knots
Could drift body/items far

Community and Expert Reactions

Reactions on X reflect national concern. User @7NewsBrisbane posted: “A popular Gold Coast game fisherman is missing at sea… His boat was discovered floating off Burleigh Heads.” Comments range from prayers to theories: “Praying for a miracle,” to “Sounds like a marlin got him.” Marine safety advocate Ben John tweeted: “Search ends for ‘very loved’ Gold Coast fisherman Ash Haigh after almost five days lost at sea in mysterious circumstances.”

Experts like Dr. Sarah Thompson, oceanographer at the University of Queensland, note: “The EPIRB’s displacement is odd. If not activated, why was it overboard? Comparing deck evidence to GPS could reveal if it was tossed or fell.” Conservationists highlight overfishing risks, but for Haigh’s peers, it’s personal loss.

abc.net.au

Search ends for ‘very loved’ Gold Coast fisherman Ash Haigh after …

Broader Impact on Fishing Culture

Australia’s game fishing scene, valued at $1.5 billion annually, faces scrutiny. Solo trips, while common, underscore needs for better tech—drones, AI tracking. Haigh’s case may spur regulations, like mandatory wearable beacons. His club plans a memorial tournament, turning tragedy to tribute.

In conclusion, Ash Haigh’s story is one of quiet instinct gone awry. Like the eagle in that viral ad, he trusted the sea’s steady presence—until it wasn’t. The missing EPIRB, absent from its deck perch, embodies the puzzle. As police compare evidence, the family holds hope. One item, one step overboard, has turned a fishing tale into Australia’s most talked-about mystery.